CHAIRWOMAN of the Chartist Commission, Rosemary Butler AM gives an update on the body's work.

"AS I am sure you are aware, an independent Chartist Commission was established earlier this year by Newport City Council to consider new ways in which Chartism can be commemorated and celebrated in a forward-looking and meaningful way; by incorporating its legacy with that of Newport as the home of democracy.

Chartism is deeply rooted in Newport’s history and it is important that it is celebrated in a vibrant and dynamic way for generations to come. It is essential therefore that whatever is commissioned reflects this objective, and we will be working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that this is achieved.

As chairwoman of the Commission, I am supported by my fellow Commissioners (Patrick Drewett and Dr Rowan Williams) and advised by Kevin Ward (Editor of the South Wales Argus), Professor Julie Lydon (Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Wales) and Professor Chris Williams (Historian at Cardiff University).

Nic Young, Newport’s Theatre and Arts Director has also been instrumental in assisting with the Commission’s work.

Over the past few months, as a Commission we have been preparing for the exciting task ahead of us. We have had discussions with the Chief Executive of the Arts Council, Newport’s Education Department and the Heritage Lottery Fund to talk about the best way forward.

Working holistically is part of the Commission’s objective to deliver a lasting legacy that is ‘of the people and for the people’. To complement our work, we undertook an audit of current ways in which the city celebrates and remembers Chartism. In addition, we have had presentations on Newport’s Public Art Strategy and city centre regeneration projects.

We decided that an experienced Project Manager was required to help drive this initiative forward and I am delighted to announce that following an open selection process, Emma Price and Jo Breckon of EMP Projects and Ceridwen have been appointed to the role.

They will be moving ahead with this initiative and we look forward to participating in innovative ways of involving the people of Newport and further afield in the development of exciting new ideas.

We will of course keep you updated with the Commission’s progress as this develops.