Creative Hub Brings Aberystwyth to the Rails

A few weeks ago I visited the Creative Hub exhibition at Arad Goch Theatre, and what began as a simple map project blossomed into something much richer. Supported by our Railway 200 Community Grant Fund, the group set out to mark favourite places around Aberystwyth. Eighteen beautiful mixed‑media pieces later, the project has become a celebration of local creativity, community and connection.

The original plan was straightforward: a map of Aberystwyth annotated with the group’s favourite spots. As the sessions progressed, each participant poured care and imagination into their work. The result is 18 distinct pieces, each reflecting personal style, memory and technique. The collection is hung individually in the foyer of Arad Goch and remained on display through June, drawing attention to the talent within this small community class.

Helen, the resident artist who led the class, is exploring ways to extend the exhibition beyond the theatre. Plans include:

• Borth Station: a poster featuring all 18 pieces arranged for viewing through train carriage windows.

• Aberystwyth Station: a special display board designed to be seen with the possibility of carriage-themed presentation.

These station displays will bring the artwork to a wider audience and celebrate the link between local creativity and the railway that connects communities.

Like many grassroots arts groups across Wales, the Creative Hub faces funding challenges.  Funding is a struggle at present. Seeing first-hand what a benefit these classes give to the participants shows how needed it is in the local communities up and down the Cambrian Line and wider across Wales.

Helen is leaving at the end of term, which will be a real wrench for the group. The plan is for a new facilitator, artist Hannah Hannon Worthington, to start working with the group from October.

On my last train trip with the group I met Gwyneth, a woman full of passion and personality. I was saddened to learn she has since passed away. My thoughts are with her friends and family.

The Creative Hub’s journey from a map idea to a travelling exhibition is a reminder of how small community projects can grow into something that connects people, place and memory and is good fun.