The primary mission of Archif ( @welshartistarchive ) is to document and celebrate the creativity of contemporary artists in North Wales by building a living record of their work and stories.
Through digital libraries of artist profiles, photographic essays, and audio interviews, I’d like to capture the essence of each artist’s practice and the unique spirit driving their work. The project celebrates diverse creative expressions—from visual arts and literature to crafts and performance—offering a genuine reflection of North Wales’ vibrant creative scene.
Archif is intended for a broad and bilingual audience, including local artists, researchers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in art, people, and storytelling. By presenting each artist’s work alongside their personal stories, the archive connects with anyone hoping to engage with Welsh creativity, fostering community and inclusivity in the arts.
Artists can often struggle to be fully seen and appreciated. With Archif, I’m hoping to bring visibility to working artists, breaking down the perceived exclusivity of the art world. By highlighting the lives and processes of these artists, Archif aims to show that art is not an isolated or elite endeavour but a rich and accessible field that embraces all creative voices.
Whether you’re a painter, potter, musician, poet—or perhaps a printmaker, storyteller, performance artist, textile designer, or digital artist—your unique perspective adds invaluable depth to Archif.
As an ongoing social documentary project, Archif aims to highlight diverse and alternative creative pursuits, ongoing bodies of work, and unique approaches to making. From woodwork to film, fine art to mixing records, this project celebrates all creative voices, offering a broad and genuine reflection of artistic expression in North Wales.
For ongoing involvement, artists can stay connected even after their initial feature by sharing updates on their latest work, attending annual gatherings, or mentoring emerging artists in the community. This lasting connection builds a supportive community and helps the archive grow as it follows each artist’s journey over time.
As art continues to evolve, hopefully so will Archif, reflecting new voices, movements, and collaborations in the Welsh art scene. This adaptability ensures that the archive remains a relevant and dynamic reflection of contemporary Welsh creativity.
