The location and expected cost of the proposed facility in Newport is commercially sensitive and we are unable to disclose.  However, the site is within the City Centre with excellent access to public transport and active travel routes.  The size requirements specified by Welsh Government can be accommodated by the Newport proposal.  The following key information also featured within the bid submission and may be of assistance:

•              Newport is unrivalled in its location and accessibility.

•              Newport has a captive audience - 1.6m people live within a one-hour drive of Newport .

•              Newport saw the largest population increase in Wales and is the fastest growing City in Wales.

•              There are five universities within 30 miles of Newport, including the prestigious Cardiff School of Art & Design (part of Cardiff Met).

•              There is a strong and significant creative network in Newport, including internationally renowned groups, organisations and creators.  Newport also has the active Alumni of the Newport Arts College.

•              The Newport bid proposes a strategic operational partnership in order to complement, rather than compete with, the existing contemporary art offer.

•              The Newport site provides flexible learning and creative space alongside gallery/exhibition spaces and visitor facilities.

•              All levels of education, from primary and secondary schools through to colleges, universities and adult community learning will be engaged with the Newport proposal. 

 

Providing a national contemporary art gallery within an existing site (as opposed to new build) is a positive initiative and the overall concept reflects the fact that Wales deserves a national platform to showcase existing and emerging contemporary art.  Through choosing a location which does not have any existing national gallery provision, a new facility has the ability to reach a wider audience and directly engage and inspire more diverse communities.  However in developing the bid there were a number of issues:

•              Lack of information/direction on key issues such as the expected operating model for the new facility.  It was unclear if this facility is to be part of Amgueddfa Cymru as one of their national facilities, or what the expected relationship would be with organisations such as Amgueddfa Cymru, Arts Council of Wales and the National Library Wales.