Creu Conwy is Creating the Spark

Creu Conwy – continuing into 2025–26 as Creu’r Sbardun (Creating the Spark) – is Conwy County Borough Council’s cultural transformation programme. Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it connects communities with arts, heritage and creativity, strengthens the local cultural sector, and improves wellbeing across the county.

What Has Been Achieved So Far

Over the 2023–25 delivery period, Creu Conwy delivered a county‑wide programme of cultural activity that reached thousands of people and strengthened Conwy’s cultural ecosystem. Highlights include

• 212+ local cultural events across five major towns and surrounding communities.
• Winter Sounds grassroots music events supporting local artists and venues.
• Creative wellbeing programmes such as Taith and Creu Conwy Cymunedol, reducing isolation and boosting confidence.
• Investment in mobile events infrastructure, enabling more accessible and inclusive community events.
• Development opportunities for creatives, including training and 7 cultural apprenticeships.

The Difference It Made

Participants reported improved mental wellbeing, increased confidence, new friendships, and renewed creative engagement. Communities expressed greater pride in local culture, stronger connection to place, and more opportunities to take part in cultural life.

What Will Happen in 2025–26

With continued UKSPF investment, Creu’r Sbardun will build on this momentum and deliver an ambitious new programme for Conwy.

Growing the Visitor Economy

• Support wider community use of mobile events equipment, enabling safe and accessible events.
• Redevelop displays at Conwy Culture Centre through community consultation and new interpretation.
• Commission a refreshed Winter Sounds season supporting grassroots venues and diverse musical talent.

Supporting Health & Wellbeing

• Expand the Libraries as Community Hubs model to improve digital inclusion and access to services.
• Grow the Taith: Creative Journeys to Wellbeing programme to reach more adults experiencing mental health challenges.

Developing Skills & Creative Careers

• Support three cultural apprentices 
• Provide professional development, networking and training for the creative and cultural sector.
• Deliver Arts Award in schools and Agored‑accredited learning for adults in archives and community settings.

Creu’r Sbardun continues to light up Conwy with cultural activity that boosts wellbeing, supports local talent, strengthens the visitor economy and celebrates the places and people that make the county unique.