The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is delighted to have appointed Llinos Jones as Engagement Project Officer at Canolfan S4C Yr Egin in Carmarthen.
Originally from the Llŷn Peninsula, Llinos has lived in Carmarthen for several years having previously worked with the Welsh language Theatr Genedlethol Cymru as a Participation Officer. Llinos also worked as a Creative Agent with the Arts Council of Wales.
In her new role at Yr Egin, Llinos is responsible for the centre's creative and digital engagement project, which will work with different communities across Carmarthenshire. The project is supported financially through the LEADER fund – a fund administered by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of Grŵp Cefn Gwlad This post is part-funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Union.
Yr Egin is a dynamic centre that is home to S4C’s main headquarters as well as a number of companies and organisations working with the creative and digital industries. It’s also a building that’s at the heart of the community providing opportunities for local people to enjoy the building and its resources – including a cafe, Y Gegin; an auditorium, Y Stiwdio Fach and a stunning public space, called Y Galon.
Having opened over a year ago, the grant awarded by Grŵp Cefn Gwlad, will help to raise awareness of the centre within a range of community groups throughout the county by offering a variety of activities and events. The project will also help the University to deliver Yr Egin’s ambition in terms of adding value to the economy and community as well as further developing opportunities for people to work, socialise and to be creative through the medium of Welsh.
As part of her new role, Llinos will engage with communities, institutions and organisations across Carmarthenshire encouraging people of all ages to take part in creative and digital activities as well as inspiring them to get involved with Yr Egin.
"The purpose of the role is to engage with the communities here in Carmarthenshire and give people the opportunity to engage with the creative and digital arts,"
Said Llinos.
“Whether you're an 80-year-old or an 8-year-old, there will be a range of opportunities available to you at Yr Egin.
“One of the most important things for me is that we work with other organisations that have the same purpose to provide opportunities for people within our communities - such as the Mentrau Iaith, schools, colleges, Theatr Genedlaethol, as well as the small drama clubs we have in this area - and give them an opportunity to get involved with this amazing Centre,”
Adds Llinos.
“There are so many great opportunities here at Yr Egin, it's really important that everyone has the opportunity to use it.
“I worked for the Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru as a Participation Officer and also worked freelance for the Arts Council of Wales working on the Creative Schools project and I was Creative Agent at three schools. I undertook projects with women who didn’t think the arts was for them and we created exhibitions and so on. I've running a 'Get Creative Day' for a few years now and have been getting people to sing on the street and create art. My intention is to show people that the creative arts offers something for everyone, using Yr Egin as the little seed that will allow other ideas to blossom.”
Carys Ifan, Director of Yr Egin is delighted to welcome Llinos as part of the centre's team.
“Since opening the doors of Yr Egin in October 2018 the centre has established itself as an exciting and creative destination. The appointment of Llinos as an Engagement Officer means that this infrastructure can now be developed, building meaningful relationships and igniting creative energy across the county,”
Said Carys.
"Llinos brings with her a great deal of experience having worked with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru; having worked as as a Creative Agent and having led numerous drama clubs. She also brings with her a host of exciting ideas and I'm looking forward to seeing these come to fruition. We are very pleased to have her as part of the team."
For further information or to discuss opportunities to be a part of this project, please contact Llinos directly by emailing llinos.jones@uwtsd.ac.uk