Wales: Told by Us exhibition at St Fagans National Museum of History

Every community has stories worth telling.

Whose stories shape our understanding of Wales? What makes somewhere feel like home?

Through objects, memories and new artworks created by communities across Wales, Wales: Told by Us explores how people create a sense of belonging and pass stories from one generation to the next.

Wales: Told by Us brings together the voices of five communities from across Wales to explore how local memories, traditions and experiences help tell the nation's story. 

This free exhibition was created through The Open University in Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru’s REACH (Residents Engaging with Arts, Culture and Heritage) project. 

REACH brought communities together to explore their history, share memories and uncover the stories hidden within everyday places. People from each community created artworks for the exhibition, inspired by their local history, heritage and experiences. These are displayed alongside objects from Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection chosen for their connections to memories, experiences, and communities. 

Artworks created by community members include a large dragon carried at Butetown Carnival, willow sculptures and a patchwork inspired by the river Cleddau. Alongside these artworks, objects on display from the Amgueddfa Cymru collection include a harp made by Evan James of Pontypridd, a Wassail bowl from Ewenny Pottery, a Mari Lwyd from Llangynwyd, and an oatcake drying rack from Llanllyfni.

Together, the artworks and objects tell stories of people, places and belonging across Wales.

Wales: Told By Us celebrates how people connect with Wales, with one another, and with the places they call home. 

Wales REACH is made possible with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, communities across Wales have been able to explore stories, heritage and history through the creative arts.

Wales REACH has been delivered in partnership with:

• The Open University in Wales 
• Amgueddfa Cymru 
• The National Lottery Heritage Fund
   
• Adra 
• Arts Council of Wales 
• ateb 
• Codi Group 
• First Choice Housing Association 
• Innovate Trust 
• Museums Federation Cymru 
• People’s Collection Wales 
• Public Health Wales 
• Taff Housing Association 
• Yr Orsaf