We run a changing program of exhibitions throughout the year. We try to showcase a wide variety of work from conceptual to craft and design work, and we work with artists from all over the world. We exhibit works on all kinds of themes, but we are particularly interested in work that responds specifically to the location and its history and to the ideas of Clough and Amabel Williams-Ellis and their children about art, design, architecture, society, politics, planning, science, literature or any other matter they explored in their long and varied careers.
The 'Agored' and 'Agored Ifanc' exhibitions welcome applications from anyone, whether an experienced artist or a first-timer. We will set a theme for these shows which will vary from one year to the next, but based on pieces from the archive, which will be displayed opposite the contemporary works. Within the Open programme, we offer an emerging artist award and a people's award.
For more information about the awards, and how to submit work for the open exhibitions, follow the link to the 'applications' page, below.
We have decided to set a theme each year, going forwards. Items from the Susan Williams-Ellis archive will be curated according to the theme for the year, and this will also be the theme for the open and young open exhibitions. We invite artists who wish to have solo or group shows to consider responding to the theme, if they feel inspired to do so, although this is not a requirement. Events will also be curated to respond to the theme, where appropriate. The themes are deliberately broad and may be interpreted in any way that the artist feels is appropriate. The themes for the next five years are outlined below:
2023: Airbourne
2024: Transformation
2025: Space
2026: Animal / Vegetable / Mineral
2027: Disturbance
2028: The Sea
09/03/24 – 05/05/24
The theme and inspiration of this year's Open exhibition is 'Transformation', this will coincide with an exhibition of Susan Williams-Ellis' work in the drawing room at the top of the stairs. You are welcome to interpret the theme in any way that sparks your imagination.
Sifting and Combing
Christine Mills and Siw Thomas are artists in residence at Plas Brondanw this summer 2023. They are working together to explore the Williams-Ellis archives with a particular focus on the ideas and work of Amabel Williams-Ellis, the Croesor valley and its people. Public workshops are integral to their research and will inform the work they produce. The residency will be inspiration for an exhibition of their work at Plas Brondanw in September 2023.