Wales: Told by Us exhibition brings community stories to St Fagans

A new exhibition bringing together the voices, memories and creativity of five communities from across Wales has been launched at St Fagans National Museum of History.

Community participants, artists and representatives from partner organisations gathered for the opening of Wales: Told by Us, which explores how local memories, traditions and experiences help tell the nation’s story.

Wales: Told by Us was developed through The Open University in Wales and Amgueddfa Cymru’s REACH (Residents Engaging with Arts, Culture and Heritage) project.

Through REACH, communities explored their histories, shared memories and uncovered stories hidden within everyday places. Participants created artworks inspired by their local heritage and experiences, now displayed alongside objects from Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection selected for their connections to those communities.

The exhibition is open to the public from 23 October 2026 until 3 May 2027. A digital exhibition is also available here. 

From Butetown to Dyffryn Nantlle, these stories remind us that Wales’ history is made up of countless local histories, each one distinct from the other and worth celebrating.

Heledd Fychan Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport

'Wales: Told by Us shows the richness and diversity of our communities, told in their own words and through their own creativity,' said Heledd Fychan, the Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport. 'From Butetown to Dyffryn Nantlle, these stories remind us that Wales’ history is made up of countless local histories, each one distinct from the other and worth celebrating. I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the REACH project, and St Fagans National Museum of History for giving these stories the platform they deserve.'

The five REACH communities represented in the exhibition are:

• people from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Butetown, Cardiff
• the post-industrial area of Sandfields, Port Talbot
• semi-rural communities across Pembrokeshire
• Welsh-speakers in Dyffryn Nantlle, Gwynedd
• local people with a learning disabilities in Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Vale of Glamorgan. 

The community-created works include a large dragon carried at Butetown Carnival, willow sculptures and a patchwork inspired by the River Cleddau. They appear alongside objects from Amgueddfa Cymru’s collection, including 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.

Jen (pictured), originally from South Africa, now lives in Port Talbot. She was part of the Sandfields group, which has produced several works, including a collaborative glass work piece depicting local landmarks.

'The thing I like most about Port Talbot is having the mountain range on one side, and the sea on the other,' said Jen. 'We have the best of both worlds! The people in Port Talbot are friendly as well. I’ve been in Wales for 26 years, and I’ve been welcomed into the community. I’ve travelled around a lot, and it’s been great learning about Wales and its heritage wherever I go. The people are very passionate about being Welsh, which is something I’ve always enjoyed.'

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 their stories, heritage and history through the creative arts.