FOR the first time Wales’ canals are hosting two artists-in-residence as part of a project aimed at bringing communities closer to their local waterways.

Addo, Glandwr Cymru – the Canal and River Trust in Wales – and the Arts Council of Wales are pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Dodds and Alan Goulbourne to the posts within a three-year programme of artists residencies on the waterways of Wales.

They have teamed upGlandw?r Cymru has teamed up with the Arts Council of Wales to create six artists’ residencies across Welsh waterways. This partnership will highlight not only the heritage and historic significance of Wales’ canals, but also celebrate and increase their relevance to local communities and contemporary Welsh culture.

The charity is exploring how contemporary arts can play a new role in conserving, animating and re-interpreting the waterways.

Alan Goulbourne is an artist based in Cardiff and began the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal residency in February for a four-month period, ending in June. His practice involves the creation of sculptural, gallery-based and public realm works. He has recently completed an artist in residency at Aberystwyth Arts Centre and has previously exhibited and made work in Bahrain, and across the UK.

Mark Lang, chairman of Glandwr Cymru, said: Wales’ waterways are among the world’s most beautiful. “The works they create with local people will help to celebrate the 200-year heritage of the waterways, while establishing them as a future cultural focal point for the future.”