# Our Story

Kindred Arts CIC was created from a simple belief: **everyone deserves access to creativity.**

Growing up in a low-income household, I understood first-hand what it felt like to miss out on opportunities to engage with the arts. Later, after spending four years working in education, I saw that this problem hadn't disappeared—it had grown. While larger towns and cities continued to receive investment and creative opportunities, many smaller communities across South Wales were being left behind.

When I looked at my hometown of Porthcawl, I saw a community full of talented, creative people, but with very few opportunities to come together. There was no dedicated arts space, little collaboration between artists and residents, and many people felt that creativity simply wasn't for them.

Kindred Arts CIC was founded to change that.

We are a collaborative community organisation that removes barriers to arts participation, creating welcoming, inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore creativity. We believe the arts shouldn't be exclusive or intimidating—they should be accessible, visible and embedded within our communities.

Since launching, we've already begun proving what is possible.

Our first major project, **Kindred Voices**, brought together every primary school in Porthcawl, alongside the comprehensive school, to create five large-scale public artworks celebrating what it means to belong to the town. Hundreds of young people contributed their ideas, giving children a platform to share their voices in a way that is rarely seen.

Watching those children stand proudly beside the finished artwork reminded us exactly why this work matters. They could see that their ideas mattered, that their creativity had value, and that they had helped shape something lasting for their community.

Now we're ready for the next chapter.

We're raising funds to establish a permanent home for Kindred Arts—a welcoming creative space with artist studios, workshop areas and a base where the community can come together to make, learn, collaborate and connect.

The funds raised will help cover the first year's rent and running costs, fit out affordable studio spaces for local artists, and allow us to begin delivering a regular programme of creative workshops, community projects and collaborative opportunities.

This couldn't come at a more important time.

Porthcawl is currently undergoing significant regeneration and change. While new developments are transforming the town, we believe it's equally important to invest in the people who already call it home. Creativity has the power to strengthen wellbeing, celebrate local identity and build stronger, more connected communities. Our aim isn't to replace what's already here—it's to create opportunities that help people feel a greater sense of belonging and pride in the place they live.

Our long-term vision is to create an accessible community arts centre that serves Porthcawl and connects with communities across Bridgend and the wider South Wales region. A place where artists, families, schools, community groups and residents can learn from one another, create together and build lasting relationships.

We also want to challenge the idea that the arts are only for a select few. Creative careers, creative wellbeing and creative expression should be visible and achievable for everyone. We believe that if people can see opportunities, they can begin to imagine themselves within them.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps build something much bigger than a building.

You're helping create opportunities for children to discover their creativity, for artists to share their skills, for neighbours to connect, and for communities to grow stronger together.

You're investing not only in today's community, but in future generations who deserve to believe that creativity belongs to them too.

Thank you for helping us build a more creative, connected and inclusive future.

Learn more about us.

www.kindredartscic.com