Wrexham graduate commissioned to design second phase of ‘Wal Pawb’

The next artist to showcase his vision for ‘Wal Pawb’ in Wrexham’s new arts and markets space has been commissioned.

Kevin Hunt, a graduate of the North Wales School of Art & Design (now known as the School of Creative Arts at Wrexham Glyndŵr University) was selected to design the new artworks for the screens in Tŷ Pawb after an open call for proposals.

The current designs on Wal Pawb – two large moving billboards – were designed by Newcastle based artist Kate Cuddon in the run-up to the multi-million pound centre opening earlier this year.

Kevin, who currently lives and works in Liverpool, will operate on-site at Tŷ Pawb from August through to the installation of his Wal Pawb project in March 2019.

Since graduating 13 years ago, Kevin has worked on a number of small projects in Wrexham – however this will be his biggest presentation of work in Wales to date.

He will work closely with all users in the building, as well as members of the wider community in Wrexham, to produce a highly original project, collaborating with traders at Tŷ Pawb to create a new product for Wrexham as part of the commission.

Kevin will give an introductory talk at Tŷ Pawb about his work to date, and his proposals for Wal Pawb, at 6pm on Wednesday, August 29th. He will also make repeat visits to Tŷ Pawb on third Wednesday of each month from September 19 onwards while working on the designs for the screens.

Speaking about his appointment, Kevin said he couldn’t be happier to be working back in the town where he studied and made many of his “important formative art experiences”.

Kevin added: “I’m really chuffed to have been selected for the Wal Pawb commission at Tŷ Pawb and to be able to realise a new, multi-faceted project that will play with the commissions’ structure whilst working closely with the team and traders at Tŷ Pawb to develop a new product for Wrexham.”

Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member for communities, partnerships, public protection and community safety said: “Wal Pawb is an important artistic feature within Tŷ Pawb, emphasising the intersection between the gallery and the market hall.

“It is fantastic news that Kevin Hunt, a Wrexham graduate, has been selected for the next iteration of this commission. Kevin will be working with Tŷ Pawb traders and staff, as well local residents in innovative way, ensuring the Wal Pawb artwork infiltrates the market hall.”

Jo Marsh, arts lead for Wrexham County Borough Council and creative director at Tŷ Pawb, says: “We received a large number of consistently high quality proposals for the second commission for Wal Pawb, and would like to thank all of those who submitted a proposal for the new design.

“It is fantastic that we were able to select someone of Kevin’s experience as well as having strong connections with and a genuine fondness for Wrexham. We are sure everybody will enjoy working with Kevin over the coming months.”