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2024-03-31-accounts

ORIEL MYRDDIN TRUST

Charity no. 1031498

Annual Report 2023 – 2024

Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Vision, Mission, Aims and Values

  3. Governance Structure

  4. Financial Overview

  5. Capital Redevelopment

  6. Investment Review 2023

  7. Summary of Activities

  8. a. I fyny: Nurturing Welsh Artists

  9. b. NCAGW Commissions

  10. c. Urdd Eisteddfod 2023

  11. d. Wales Arts International trip to Brittany

  12. e. Perspectives

  13. f. Commissions for online shop

  14. g. Social media and website statistics

  15. National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales

  16. Appendixes A

1. Introduction

Oriel Myrddin is an established gallery located in Carmarthen, Wales. It has a strong reputation for showcasing contemporary art, craft, and design, and serves as an important cultural centre both locally and nationally.

In July 2022 OM closed its doors to the public for the long-awaited capital redevelopment funded by Carmarthen County Council and Arts Council Wales.

2023 was a year of significant progress and transformation for OM. We navigated a challenging economic environment, and in January 2024 contractors WB Griffiths moved onsite for the building work to begin. Two members of existing staff are currently officebased off-site working at Carmarthenshire Museum.

2. Vision, Mission, Aims and Values

VISION - We strongly believe in learning through making…

“A world where the value of craftsmanship, skill and ingenuity is appreciated and obtainable by everyone”

MISSION - To support a creative environment where we can all pursue contemporary ideas through a unique and culturally diverse programme of craftsmanship in its widest definition of artistic skill, thought and imagination”

AIMS - We believe in using the contemporary visual arts as a platform for audiences to engage with big ideas that question the world around them.

We believe that without artists and artistic ideas, the overall quality of life of our community would be considerably poorer.

By actively working collaboratively with staff, artists, partners and supporters OM inspire communities and demonstrates positive social impacts.

VALUES - We are committed to making our world a healthier, greener, and more sustainable place to live.

3. Governance Structure

OM Board of Trustees

The gallery operates as an educational charitable trust under the custodial trusteeship of Carmarthenshire County Council. The board of trustees currently includes: Cllr Emlyn Schiavone - Chair (also associated with Carmarthen Town Council) Sally Moss - Vice Chair (Independent)

Cllr Ken Lloyd - (also associated with Carmarthen Town Council) resigned 27 July 2023 Cllr Carys Jones resigned 7 February 2024

Angharad Jones Leefe - Trustee (Carmarthen Town Council) Louise Morgan - Trustee (Independent) Nigel Roberts - Trustee (Independent) resigned 23 May 2024 Neil Confrey - Trustee (Independent) resigned 22 October 2023

OM Staff

Catherine Spring – Gallery Manager Rachel Vater – Gallery Assistant Christopher Ozzard – Gallery Attendant (Currently redeployed within CCC) Gareth H Davies - (Currently redeployed within CCC) Sian Conti - (Currently redeployed within CCC) Pam Boyce – (Currently on unpaid leave from April 2023 until October 2024 TBC)

Trustees meet on a bi-annual basis and at other times as convened by the Chair to monitor activity and to make and agree to strategic decisions. As the Trust is an unincorporated charity, Carmarthenshire County Council is the custodian trustee for the Gallery building. Trustees are nominated by the County and Town Councils to serve a term of three years that may be renewed. Independent Trustees are nominated or approached to join the Board based on relevant skills or experience.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Senior Accountant is responsible to the Trustees and accountable for the budget management. The Gallery Manager is accountable for the general management and artistic direction to the Trust formally mediated through the Senior Cultural Services Manager. The Gallery Manager is expected to attend Trust meetings, present directly to Trustees and develop contact with the Trust Chair and Trustees. Line manager to the Gallery Manager for operational purposes resides with Senior Cultural Services Manager.

The Gallery Manager leads on artistic direction, with the input of staff team members. Trustees will discuss and monitor long term capital or service development strategies and the annual budget is agreed by the Trustees in principle and then delegated to officers.

Any call on Trust reserves is discussed with and authorised by the Trustees. Trustees, including the Chair, are all currently elected council members or independent. They bring a broad range of experience in many fields of public life, diplomacy, industry, legal, education, curatorship and finance. They bring sound advice when discussing the programme in assessing relevance to those beyond the immediate sector.

4. Financial Overview

The Trust receives core-funding support from

Carmarthenshire County Council which provides direct revenue, professional, technical and administrative support. The Arts Council of Wales and Carmarthen Town Council who support the key objectives of The Charity in its delivery of its programme of exhibitions, events, education, projects and initiatives.

The Gallery generates its own modest trading income and received further support this year from.

Arts Council Wales ‘Create’ Funding – I fyny £49,300 Arts Council Wales ‘Perspectives’ Funding - £60,000 ArtFund ‘Reimagine’ Funding - Engagement Curator £36,000 National Art Gallery Wales ‘Artist Commissions’ £8,500

Reserves Policy

A review of the reserves policy is in progress as The Trustees plan for the expansion of the Gallery and its associated activity arising from the capital redevelopment anticipated for 2024/25. A regular review of the Reserve is carried out, as a minimum, annually.

The accounts have been prepared on the going concern basis, as there is no material uncertainty related to events or conditions that may cast doubt about the ability of the Oriel Myrddin Gallery Trust Fund to continue as a going concern.

The accounts are maintained by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of the Trustees of Oriel Myrddin and a full statement of accounts is included as Appendix A to this report.

5. Capital Redevelopment (update on progress to 31 March 2024)

A pre-contract start meeting took place on 30 November 2023 with contractors WB Griffiths, CCC Design Team, Gallery Manager. Contract completion date (64 weeks) 1 May 2025.

WB Griffiths moved onto site on 8 January 2024. There are monthly progress meetings between the contractors, CCC Design Team, Senior Cultural Services Manager and Gallery Manager. The Project Steering Group meetings are diarised to take place after the progress meetings. The Steering Group includes Arts Council Wales, two external assessors

(Quantity Surveyor and Architect) commissioned by ACW, Design Team, Senior Cultural Services Manager, a representative from the CIO and Gallery Manager. Both meetings have an agenda and recorded minutes.

6. Investment Review 2023

Arts Council Wales (ACW) are responsible for funding arts organisations. This funding comes from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery. ACW fund organisations and individuals so they can help achieve the aims set out in ACW’s strategic plan.

The Investment Review is the process ACW go through to decide who should get this funding, and how much they should get.

The Investment Review occurs every 5 years. The last Investment Review was in 2015. The Investment Review for 2020 was delayed because of Covid 19.

Mainly due to the changes, after Covid, in how we all think and work, ACW rethought the way they carry out the Investment Review. The aim being to be more flexible and fund organisations for longer. Organisations like OM will have the opportunity to apply for funding for 3 years at a time and have the chance of a further 3 years funding if we are achieving against ACW’s six principles: Creativity, Widening Engagement, Welsh Language, Climate Justice, Nurturing Talent, and Transformation.

ACW opened the Investment Review process in January 2023. This process was designed to assess applications for funding for the 2024-2027 period. During this time, arts organisations across Wales were invited to submit proposals demonstrating how they would contribute to the ACW strategic goals, including promoting equality, sustainability, and the Welsh language in the arts. The application process included the submission of our Business Plan 24-27.

The application process officially closed on April 4, 2023. This deadline was part of a comprehensive review process that involved assessing applications from arts organisations across Wales. The results of this review, including funding decisions, were announced in late September 2023.

The application process was highly competitive, with organisations required to detail their plans, including how they would manage potential financial challenges. The decisions were finalised and announced in September 2023, after a rigorous review period.

OM applied for £94,035 - The annual figures submitted assumed the commencement of trading of the CIO. We were awarded £47,849.

However significant budget cuts from the Welsh Government, impacted the level of funding available for distribution and OM’s final figure is £46,653. Oriel Myrddin is delighted to be in receipt of both capital and revenue funding from the Arts Council of Wales. It demonstrates their confidence in our artistic ambition, and in our vision, mission, aims and values. We remain indebted to ACW for their ongoing support for OM’s work in west Wales.

7. National Contemporary Art Gallery Wales (NCAGW)

The National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales (NCAGW) is an exciting initiative aimed at establishing a dedicated institution for contemporary art in Wales. NCAGW is intended to showcase the rich and diverse contemporary art sector in Wales, providing a platform for both emerging and established artists. The national collections of contemporary art held by Amgueddfa Cymru, and the National Library of Wales belong to everyone in Wales. The NCAGW model of a dispersed network of galleries across Wales, will enable wider democratic access.

Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Art: NCAGW’s nine visual art organisations will act as a ‘dispersed model’ for contemporary art in Wales. It aims to highlight the work of Welsh artists and those connected to Wales.

Cultural Significance: NCAGW is seen as a way to enhance the cultural landscape of Wales, making contemporary art more accessible to the public and raising the profile of Welsh art on a global stage.

Government Support: The Welsh Government and Arts Council of Wales are key players in the development of the National Contemporary Art Gallery. They have been working together to explore how this institution can be realised, including locations, funding, and partnerships.

Collaborative Approach: The development of NCAGW involves collaboration with existing visual art organisations across Wales. This networked approach aims to create a cohesive art ecosystem.

Site Selection: The locations of the ‘dispersed model’ has been a significant aspect of the planning process. The nine organisations that form part of the scheme are; Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth; Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea; MOSTYN, Llandudno; Newport Museum & Art Gallery, Newport; Oriel Davies, Newtown; Oriel Myrddin, Carmarthen; Plas Glyny-Weddw, Pwllheli; Ruthin Craft Centre, Ruthin; and STORIEL, Bangor - ensuring NCAGW is accessible and integrated into the cultural life of Wales.

Artistic Excellence: NCAGW will aim to display high-quality contemporary art, featuring both established and emerging artists. It will be a space for innovation, challenging ideas, and reflecting on current societal issues through art.

Education and Engagement: An important goal of NCAGW is to engage with diverse audiences, including communities, schools, and visitors. It will offer educational programmes, workshops, and events that foster a deeper understanding of contemporary art.

Inclusivity: The gallery is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that the voices and works of underrepresented artists are given a platform. This aligns with broader initiatives in Wales to promote diversity in the arts.

Feasibility Studies: The project has gone through several phases, including feasibility studies to assess the best approach to developing the gallery. These studies have looked at potential models, locations, and partnerships that could shape NCAGW's future.

Consultation with Stakeholders: Ongoing consultations with artists, curators, and the public have been crucial to shaping the vision of NCAGW. The feedback gathered during these consultations will continue to influence the project as it moves forward.

Timeline: While the exact timeline for NCAGW completion has been fluid, the project is advancing steadily with a commitment to establishing the model in the near future.

Cultural Hub: NCAGW is expected to become a cultural hub that draws visitors from across Wales and beyond, contributing to the tourism industry and local economies.

Artist Development: By providing a dedicated space for contemporary art, NCAGW will offer Welsh artists greater opportunities for exposure and development, potentially leading to increased recognition both nationally and internationally.

National Identity: NCAGW will play a significant role in shaping and expressing a contemporary Welsh identity, contributing to the broader narrative of Wales as a nation with a vibrant and evolving cultural scene.

In summary:

The National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales represents a bold step in enhancing the visibility and impact of contemporary art in Wales. It is designed to be more than just a gallery—it will be a space for exploration, dialogue, and celebration of the diverse artistic voices that define contemporary Welsh culture. As the project progresses, it promises to be a significant cultural institution for Wales and beyond.

Capital funding, that has been invested in OM by NCAGW, is £86,530. This investment will form part of the wider capital redevelopment but primarily be spent on fitting out the gallery spaces to be compliant with GIS (Government Indemnity Scheme) standards. This will include upgraded security, lighting and environmental monitoring equipment.

8. Summary of Activities

This in an overview of the activities that took place between 1 April 2023 -31 March 2024.

I fyny - Nurturing Welsh Artists, was developed to promote and nurture creative talent here in Wales. It was an ambitious five-month long associates programme for 15 early career artists based in Wales. The programme was developed to support and encourage sector resilience in Wales through the nurturing of creative talent and equipping the successful associates with the skills and opportunities to pursue viable and sustainable careers from a Welsh base.

To deliver the programme Oriel Myrddin (OM) partnered with Carmarthen School of Art. OM received funding from Arts Council of Wales in support of i fyny. The project sought to raise the creative profile of West Wales and benefit not just practitioners but also arts organisations. I fyny’s primary partnership with Carmarthen School of Art helped to deliver a programme that championed innovation and ambition over academic skill.

I fyny was open to creatives from Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion, and Swansea and consisted of weekly sessions that included talks and workshops with industry professionals, networking opportunities, 1:1 mentoring, skill sharing sessions and research

away-days. Associates included graduates, creatives returning to the sector and practitioners without professional training.

Weekday sessions took place once a week, with occasional evenings and weekend activities built in, in response to the group’s availability and priorities. The work took place over five months from February to June 2023 and was delivered online and face to face, in Carmarthen. A fee of £720 was granted to each associate to assist with travel costs and materials.

I fyny was structured to ensure outstanding artistic quality, through its rich and diverse steering group, which was made up from some of Wales’ most promising and established artists and professionals. The Steering group members were Abby Poulson, Curator and Artist; Amelia Kilvington, Head of Section at CSoA; Dr Angela Maddock, Artist and Academic; Dafydd Williams, Artist and Photographer; Daniel Trivedy, Multi-disciplinary Artist and Lecturer; and Lisa Evans, Artist, and Head of Sculpture at CSoA.

OM commissioned Roz Stewart Hall, who is a nationally recognised researcher and evaluator, to evaluate i fyny. We also commissioned Roz to write an additional report to delve a little deeper into the programme. This second report explored what had worked, what had not worked and what we would do differently next time. This report has been shared with the sector (Visual Art Galleries Wales, ACW).

9. National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales (NCAGW) Commissions

Oriel Myrddin Gallery, as part of our work within and funded by the National Contemporary Art Gallery of Wales, has commissioned six early-career artists to create unique, one-of-a-kind works in response to artworks held in the National Contemporary Art Gallery of Wales. The selected makers for this project are Cardigan-based potter Ella Bua-In, textile artist Ffion Evans, ceramicist Hannah Walters, basket maker and sculptor Lewis Prosser, brush maker Rosa Harradine, and textile designer and maker Rosie Lake.

The project began with a visit to Amgueddfa Cymru in Cardiff, where the artists explored the contemporary collections for inspiration. Recognizing the vastness of the collection, we guided the makers to begin their exploration through the online archive, Celf ar y Cyd. This allowed them to narrow down their choices and present specific works to Andrew Renton, Head of Design Collections, for a closer examination. The group viewing of the collections fostered a collaborative atmosphere, enabling the artists to discover new inspirations by observing each other’s selections.

The final works chosen for response were incredibly varied, reflecting the diverse interests and artistic approaches of the makers. These ranged from the contemporary works of Laura Ford to the masterpieces of Graham Sutherland and Kyffin Williams.

Urdd Eisteddfod 2023

The Urdd Eisteddfod 2023, held in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, was one of Wales’s largest cultural festivals, celebrating youth and Welsh culture through a variety of competitions,

performances, and events. The event took place from 29 May to 3 June 2023 and attracted tens of thousands of participants and visitors.

OM were approached by the Sponsorship and Partners Manager for the Urdd Eisteddfod to host activities in and around the Art, Design and Technology tent.

OM commissioned artist Beth Marsden to create two large-scale artworks. The overall sizes were 16ft x 4ft in a landscape orientation and they were made of A4 sized tiles. The word CYNEFIN was clearly visible. Participants were invited to remove a tile and, using the materials provided, work into these with thoughts of what Cynefin meant to them, using text, marks, and collage to create an individual artwork. By the end of the week two huge, rich artworks were created, full of meaning and richness.

There were two allocated workshop sessions during each day when Beth was present to assist and help inspire participants. At other times materials were left out and were available to use, including recycled materials such as magazines to give a graphic edge as well as drawing materials like soft pencils and paint bars. Each participant was given an OM goody bag to take away to encourage them to carry on drawing at home.

Over the five days we estimate 2500 young people took part in the activity.

Wales Arts International (WAI) Trip to Brittany

In October 2023, OM was invited to join a contingency of Welsh arts organisations on a trip to Brittany.

The purpose of the trip was to build relationships with organisations in Brittany and to explore partnerships for future working. The other organisations that were represented were Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Addo Creative, Artes Mundi, Llantarnam Grange, Oriel Davies, Oriel Plas Glyn y-Weddw, and VAGW. The trip was jointly funded by WAI and ACW who also joined us on the trip.

The whistle stop tour included visits to organisations, artist studios and galleries – an overview of the tour is listed below. It was an interesting trip with many similarities to the sector in Wales. However, the higher level of financial support available to artists, collectives and creatives by the local and regional government was remarkable. Particularly impressive was the use of empty buildings for studio spaces and the importance the Creative Industries holds in France, which is very refreshing.

We have all made a lot of friends and OM hopes to follow up these conversations in the near future with our current thinking around an exchange programme.

A return trip was organised for the Brittany contingent who were welcomed to Wales in February 2024.

See Appendix A

Perspective(s)

The Arts Council of Wales is known for supporting and promoting the arts across Wales, and one of their initiatives is the Perspectives programme. This programme is designed to provide platforms for artistic voices and perspectives that might otherwise be underrepresented or marginalized. It aims to foster a diverse and inclusive arts sector by encouraging creative projects that bring fresh, often overlooked, viewpoints to the fore.

Aspects of the Perspective(s) Programme: Purpose and Objectives:

Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: The primary goal of the Perspectives programme is to amplify the voices of artists and communities that are less represented in the mainstream arts sector. This includes artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ+ communities, disabled artists, and others who may face barriers to participation.

Challenging Norms: The programme encourages projects that challenge societal norms and push boundaries, both in terms of content and form. This can include experimental works, critical dialogues, and new interpretations of cultural narratives.

Funding and Support:

Grants and Financial Assistance: Through the Perspective(s) programme, ACW provides funding to support the creation and presentation of new work. This can include funding for individual artists, collectives, or organizations that align with the programme’s aims. Key Professional Development: In addition to financial support, the programme often includes opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, mentoring, and networking events, to help artists develop their skills and careers.

Partnerships: The programme may also facilitate partnerships between artists, arts organizations, and community groups to create collaborative projects that have a broad impact.

Project Criteria:

Innovation: Projects are encouraged to be innovative in their approach, whether through new artistic forms, interdisciplinary collaboration, or unconventional presentation methods. Engagement: Successful projects often have a strong element of community engagement or public interaction, ensuring that the work resonates with and is accessible to diverse audiences.

Sustainability: ACW looks for projects that not only deliver immediate impact but also have the potential for long-term sustainability, either through ongoing artistic development or by influencing broader cultural practices.

Impact and Outcomes:

Cultural Impact: The Perspectives programme aims to contribute to a richer and more diverse cultural landscape in Wales by highlighting different voices and stories.

Social Change: By addressing themes of identity, power, and representation, the programme also seeks to contribute to social change, encouraging greater understanding and inclusivity within the arts and society at large.

Legacy: Projects funded by the Perspectives programme often leave a lasting legacy, either through the ongoing work of the artists involved or by influencing future arts programming and policy.

Application Process:

Eligibility: The programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including individual artists, collectives, and arts organizations based in Wales. Specific eligibility criteria are outlined in each call for applications.

Assessment: Applications are assessed based on their alignment with the programme’s goals, the quality and feasibility of the project, and the potential impact on both the artistic sector and the broader community.

OM was successful in its application for the Perspective(s) funding and during July 2023 we released a call out for a Creative Practitioner (CP) to work with us on this initiative. We were overwhelmed by the response and pleased that the selected CP accepted the role. With limited capacity within OM’s current staffing, we sought further funding from ArtFund’s Reimagine Grant to recruit an Engagement Curator. This role was primarily to support the CP but also to help with audience mapping and development for the new OM upon reopening. We were successful in receiving a grant of £36,000 to support this role for 100 days over two years.

During the recruitment of the Engagement Curator, a series of events led to a pause in the project for both OM and the CP. This resulted in the project taking an alternative direction for OM which will focus on training for staff and trustees in addition to a micro-commission for an artist from the global majority.

Online Shop

Over the past year, our online retail initiative has continued to evolve as we work closely with artists and makers to curate bespoke and exclusive collections for our platform. Our aim remains to position OM as a destination (albeit temporarily online) where customers can discover and purchase truly unique and thoughtfully crafted works of art.

A significant highlight of our efforts has been our collaboration with two talented emerging artists.

First, we worked with Kay-lee Davies, a recent graduate from Carmarthen School of Art, a regular partner with OM, to create a small collection of works inspired by the colours and textures of the Welsh landscape. This collaboration not only provided Kay-lee with essential post-graduate support but also offered her a safe and supportive environment to experience the dynamics of working with a client. Throughout the commission, we explored various approaches to maintaining the handmade integrity of the products while also being mindful of cost-effectiveness. These explorations allowed us to uncover alternative production methods that did not compromise the quality or authenticity of the final pieces. Additionally, this collaboration offered Kay-lee valuable insights into the maker-gallery-client relationship, serving as an opportunity for her to assess whether pursuing the commercial aspect of her craft aligns with her long-term career goals.

We also collaborated with Welsh printmaker Lilly Hedley to develop a set of four designs that could be applied to greetings cards as well as gift wrap. Understanding that purchasing beautiful and unique items doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, we worked with Lilly to create a collection that is both highly affordable and in line with the current market prices for such products. This collaboration allowed us to expand our offerings while staying true to our commitment to accessibility and quality.

Currently, our primary focus is on the NCAGW/CRAFT Festival Craft Trail taking place in September 2024, where we are working with some of the most exciting makers that Wales has to offer. This initiative not only highlights the exceptional craftsmanship within our community but also opens up new opportunities for future collaborations with these talented practitioners. We are aware that the market is currently challenging, a trend we've also observed among the independent makers we collaborate with. In response, our strategy will be to actively explore and experiment with the evolving needs and preferences of our audience. This will allow us to refine our offerings, potentially focusing on a select group of makers whose work resonates most strongly with our customers, ensuring that we provide the most relevant and valued products.

As we continue to grow our online shop, our focus remains on fostering these meaningful collaborations that not only support emerging artists but also draw audiences and customers to Oriel Myrddin Gallery. We are committed to providing a platform for artists to experiment and flourish while offering our customers exclusive access to truly one-of-a-kind works.

Future Plans

A new Oriel Myrddin charity – a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) – was established in 2023 (charity number 1197707). The aim in the long term is for the new charity to take over the operations of Oriel Myrddin Trust, once the capital redevelopment is complete. Oriel Myrddin Trust receives annual revenue funding from Arts Council Wales and Carmarthenshire County Council. When the Gallery reopens in 2025, the CIO will receive this revenue funding as the operational body.

The new charity has the same vision, mission and objectives as Oriel Myrddin Trust and the same trustees. The trustees have been receiving legal advice relating to the capital development and the relationship between all the key stakeholders, namely Oriel Myrddin Trust and Oriel Myrddin CIO as the charitable bodies responsible for the Gallery, and Carmarthenshire County Council and Arts Council Wales as the funding bodies.

A Heads of Terms agreement has been prepared which outlines the responsibility of each stakeholder, the timeline, and the list of legal agreements that each stakeholder will be required to sign up to at various points in the process, including lease agreements for the properties which will make up the redeveloped Gallery. The Heads of Terms were agreed and signed in August 2023.

Oriel Myrddin trustees received independent legal advice from Hugh James Solicitors in relation to these legal agreements.

Appendix A

Day 1
Brest
Passerelle Labelled centre of national interest for contemporary art by the French
Ministry, this exhibition venue, formed in 1988, is housed in 4000m2 ex-
banana packing factory in the heart of Brest.
Cercle Naval Studio spaces for early career artists housed in a former French Naval
building, provided free of charge by the City of Brest.
Ultra The Ultra Association is situated in a train station in Relecq-Kerhuon.
They actively question and push boundaries between art and design
and seek to extend and enrich the field of interdisciplinarity and
collaboration.
Galerie Raymond Hains Exhibition space located in the Saint-Brieuc School of Fine Art. An
exhibition and presentation by Aurore Bagarry ‘Borne by the Waters.’
Day 2
Saint-Briec A ship owner's house in Saint-Brieuc overlooking the sea. Set in
Villa Rohannec’h beautiful grounds, this venue hosts multi-disciplinary research and
creative residencies.
Presentation 1. Minoterie 21
Artist Alun Williams has settled in Moulin de Guéveneux at Peillac and
hosts contemporary art projects, including summer laboratories, artist
residencies, and public events.
Presentation 2. Document d'artistes en Bretagne
A database of artists in Bretagne profiling their practice and giving a
glimpse of the regional art scene, in addition to opportunities for
networking and partnerships.
Presentation 3. Finis Terrae
Based on the island of Ouessant, an annual residency programme
offers placements to artist/authors at Creac’h Semaphore – a property
belonging to Finistere Departmental Council, to produce work that
relates to the sea, isolation, landscape, and local culture.
Vitré The Art Library was created in 1983 by The Ministry of Culture to raise
Artothèque de Vitré awareness of contemporary art. The collection of over 1400 works is
Communauté available for loan by community groups, organisations, and individuals.
They also have exhibition and education spaces.
Rennes A former mustard factory converted into artist studios, exhibition
Ateliers du Vent spaces and a café / bar. The venue is run by an artist collective.
Day 3. FRAC(The Fonds régionaux d’art contemporain) are public collections
FRAC Bretagne of contemporary art. They were set up by the government in the early
Rennes 80’s to ensure the presence of contemporary art in each region of
France. FRAC includes exhibition spaces and open storage. The
collections tour internationally.
Presentation 1. La Criée
An artist laboratory space in an old fish factory in central Rennes
established in 1986, that supports artists in the production of their
work. This includes financial, artistic, and technical support.
Presentation 2. 40mcube
Each year this committee selects four visual artist graduates to
participate in a seven-month programme where they can fully focus on
their artistic practice. They can develop, research, and produce work,
build their professional networks, and acquire good practices.
Presentation 3. Domaine de Kerguéhennec
A contemporary arts centre and sculpture park which offers
residencies and exhibition spaces.
Presentation 4. VIVARIUM
This shared space was created in 2007 and provides artists practising
in Rennes low-cost studios, accommodation, and exhibition space.
B612 An artist run space with 33 resident artists, exhibition space and
Rennes garden.
Festival Maintenant This annual festival of visual art and innovative technologies appears in
venues across Rennes, including Théâtre du Vieux St-Étienne.

ORIEL MYRDDIN

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] MARCH, 2024

Registered Charity Number 1031498

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

General

These accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis, as there is no material uncertainty related to events or conditions that may cast doubt about the ability of the Oriel Myrddin Gallery Trust Fund to continue as a going concern.

The accounts are maintained by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of the Trustees of Oriel Myrddin and are also included within the Statement of Accounts of the Authority for the financial year ended 31[st] March 2024. The Authority’s accounts are audited by the appointed external auditors – Wales Audit.

1. Grants

Grants are given by the Arts Council of Wales in support of exhibitions and educational programmes run by the gallery.

2 . Carmarthenshire County Council

The County Council provides direct revenue support in running the gallery, which is highlighted in the accounts.

3. Administrative Expenses

The County Council also provides professional, technical, and administrative assistance for which it makes no charge to the Charity.

4. Charitable Expenses

These are the costs of operating the gallery to provide exhibitions and educational programmes and are made up as follows: -

Staffing Costs(Note 1)
Premises Related Costs(Note 6)
Transport Related Costs(Note 7)
Supplies and Services(Note 8)
TOTAL		 2023-24
£
107,115
5,414
1,319
86,680
200,528		 2022-23
£
115,005
7,539
638
100,383
223,565

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5. Contingencies/Repairs and Renewals Fund

Any net surplus or deficit of income over expenditure is transferred to the fund at the year-end in order to meet any unexpected fluctuations in future years. The Trustees have identified that the primary purpose for retaining this reserve is to enable repairs and maintenance to be carried out as and when required – though it may be used for other purposes should the Trustees deem this expedient.

Reserve summary:

----- Start of picture text -----
2023-24 2022-23
£ £
Opening balance 146,958 153,818
Reserve movement 9,730 (6,860)
Closing balance 156,688 146,958
----- End of picture text -----

A review of the reserves policy is in progress as the Trustees plan for the expansion of the gallery and its associated activities arising from the capital development anticipated for 2023/24 - 2024/25. A regular review of the Reserve is undertaken as a minimum annually.

6. Fixed Assets

The capital cost of the gallery is reflected in the balance sheet of the County Council, which is the custodian trustee for the property under the terms of the Trust Deed, and in accordance with CIPFA recommended practice a charge is calculated each year, which reflects an annual provision for depreciation. This charge has been absorbed by Carmarthenshire County Council in addition to the direct and indirect revenue support given to the Charity (see no. 9 of the Notes to the Accounts).

7. Stock

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value in accordance with Statement of Standard Accounting Practice No. 9.

8. IA S 19

Since 2003/04 the local authority has been required to implement accounting standard IAS19 (previously named FRS17) relating to Retirement Benefits for employees. In the case of Oriel Myrddin, a charge has been included against the indirect support given by Carmarthenshire County Council (see no. 9 of the Notes to the Accounts).

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9. Related Party Transactions

This is defined as a transfer of resources or obligations between a reporting entity and a related party, regardless of whether a price is charged. Related party transactions exclude transactions with any other entity that is a related party solely because of its economic dependence on the authority or the government of which it forms part.

Please see no. 5 and no. 9 of the Notes to the Accounts for relevant transactions.

4

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME
Voluntary Incoming Resources (Note 5)
Grants from Public Bodies
Local Authorities:
Carmarthenshire County Council
- Annual Revenue Support
Carmarthen Town Council
Arts Council of Wales
Public Donations
Additional Grants
Investment Income
Trading Activities (Note 4)
Charitable Trading
Other Income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Staffing Costs(Note 1)
Premises Related Costs(Note 6)
Transport Related Costs(Note 7)
Supplies and Services(Note 8)
Other Expenditure
Fund-Raising and Publicity
Management and Administration
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME / (EXPENDITURE) FOR THE
YEAR
Total Funds Brought Forward from last
year’s Balance Sheet
Total Funds Carried Forward in this year’s
Balance Sheet		 2023-24
£
99,372
0
87,462
250
9,182
8,405
6,499
0
211,170
107,115
5,414
1,319
86,680
200,528
732
180
201,440
9,730
146,958
156,688		 2023-24
£
99,272
3,700
48,381
0
21,340
2,437
41,812
0
216,942
115,005
7,539
638
100,383
223,565
48
189
223,802
-6,860
153,818
146,958

5

BALANCE SHEET

FIXED ASSETS
Current Assets
Stock
Imprest Account
Cash
Payment in Advance
Sundry Debtors General
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
Current Liabilities
Sundry Creditors General
Receipts In Advance
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS
LIABILITIES
Represented by:
Unrestricted Income Fund:
Contingency/Repairs and
Renewals Fund
SIGNED		 31.3.24
£
Nil
17,182
150
190,782
0
0
208,114
119
51,307
51,426
156,688
156,688
156,688		 31.3.23
£
Nil
17,854
150
176,575
0
9,414
203,993
2,506
54,529
57,035
146,958
146,958
146,958

DATE

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

6

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Staff Emoluments

As shown in the Statement of Financial Activities the total cost of staff emoluments was £107,115 (2022/23 £115,005). The 23-24 figure includes a fixed sum pay award of £1,925 per annum, no increase to the employer superannuation rate and incremental increases to qualifying posts. 1 staff member left post during 23/24.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration from the Charity.

2. Staffing Complement

The gallery has two full time and six part-time posts (4.16 Full Time Equivalent).

3. Reimbursement of Expenses to Trustees

No expenses were reimbursed to Trustees in the year or in the previous year.

4. Additional Income

Additional income was reflected in 2023-2024 as follows:

The trading income generated in 2023/24 was £6,499 (2022/23 £41,812).

5. Voluntary Incoming Resources

£47,849 was received from the Arts Council of Wales in 2023/24 (2022/23 £48,381).

£0 was received from Carmarthen Town Council in 2023/24 (2022/23 £3,700).

£250 was received from the general public in 2023/24 as donations towards the running of the gallery (2022/23 £0).

7

Additional income was received during 2023-24 as follows:-

Arts Council of Wales (I Fyny) £28,354 Arts Council of Wales (Perspectives) £11,258 Arts Council of Wales (Cost of Living) £532 Arts Fund £150 National Museum and Galleries of Wales £8,500

6. Premises Related Expenditure

As shown in the Statement of Financial Activities, the total cost of premises related expenditure in 2023/24 was £5,414 (2022/23 £7,539). Premises related expenses are reduced as the Gallery was vacated during the year in anticipation of the refurbishment.

7. Transport Related Expenditure

As shown in the Statement of Financial Activities, the total cost of transport related expenditure in 2023/24 was £1,319 (2022/23 £638).

8. Supplies & Services Expenditure

As shown in the Statement of Financial Activities, the total cost of supplies & services expenditure in 2023/24 was £86,680 (2022/23 £100,383). Higher expenditure in 2022-23 related to additional grant income rolled forward as a Receipt in Advance.

9. Carmarthenshire County Council

The cost of the indirect revenue support provided by Carmarthenshire County Council, which does not appear in these accounts, is as follows: -

8

2023-24

2022-23

Professional and Administrative Support
Employee Related Expenditure
Premises Related Expenditure
Contribution to Departmental Reserve
Appropriation/Contribution to/from
Insurance Reserve
Depreciation/Revaluation Losses
TOTAL		 £
25,801
3,119
31,706
0
0
271,248
331,874		 £
25,801
17,688
21,744
0
0
45,638
110,871

These are in addition to the £99,372 Revenue Support Grant (2022/23 £99,272) provided by Carmarthenshire County Council which are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Employee Related Expenditure – This covers charges and accounting adjustments for IFRS annual leave entitlement, current service cost (IAS19) (see point 8 within Statement of Accounting Policies above) and employee related insurance premiums.

Premises Related Expenditure – A charge has been reflected against the indirect support given by Carmarthenshire County Council in relation to Buildings Related Insurance paid by the Authority in respect of the gallery. Also, the Authority has contributed £11,794 in 23-24 towards utility and NNDR costs associated with 26/27 King Street (£10,756 in 22-23).

9

Appropriation/Contribution to/from Insurance Reserve – The Authority undertakes a substantial amount of selfinsurance which gives rise to significant reserve movements. The insurance funds are used to meet the cost of claims and other losses, which could fall on the Authority. Whilst the Authority purchases a range of insurance cover, part of the risk remains with the Authority through the acceptance of ‘Policy Excesses’ and through the setting of ‘Indemnity Limits’. In the case of Oriel Myrddin, charges and income relating to this i.e. contributions to and from the Authority’s insurance reserve are again reflected against the indirect support given by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Depreciation / Revaluation losses – An Asset Rental charge of £8,333 in both 22-23 and 23-24 relates to the 26/27 King Street properties. The remaining £262,915 in 23-24 reflects the effective revenue contribution to the capital spend (REFCUS) on the Gallery building project (£37,305 in 22-23).

During the year 2023/24, efforts were directed towards addressing the legal matters concerning the proposed capital redevelopment of 26/27 King Street and the adjoining gallery and clarifying the relationships among the key stakeholders.

These stakeholders include Oriel Myrddin Trust and Oriel Myrddin CIO, the charitable entities overseeing the Gallery, as well as Carmarthenshire County Council and Arts Council Wales, the principal funding bodies. Oriel Myrddin CIO ( registered number 1197707) is preparing for a transfer of the operation of the redeveloped Gallery and all associated activities from reopening.

A Heads of Terms agreement was prepared, outlining the responsibilities of each stakeholder, the project timeline, and the comprehensive list of legal agreements required at various stages of the process. This includes lease agreements for the properties that will form the redeveloped Gallery. The Heads of Terms were duly agreed upon and signed in August 2023. An application has been made to the Charities Commission for consideration of the scheme. However at the date of this report there had been no response.

The capital works started in January 2024 with the aim of the Gallery reopening in September 2025.

10

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/
members of		 Charity Name
Oriel Myrddin
On accounts for the year 31stMarch 2024 Charity no 1031498
ended (if any)
Set out on pages
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2024. Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: Date: 23[rd] October 2024 Name: Caroline Sian Powell Relevant professional FCCA qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Carmarthenshire County Council

Oct 2018

1

IER

County Hall

Carmarthen

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Oct 2018

2

IER