A GROUP of local artists have clubbed together to help save a Swansea Valley institute.

Arts in the Tawe Valley is made up of artists across the Amman and Swansea Valley who are launching their latest exhibition at Pontardawe Arts Centre to help prevent the closure of the centre.

The arts centre is in jeopardy after Neath Port Talbot County revealed plans to cut £120,000 of its subsidy.

The local authority is looking to reduce its budget by £11.2 million and has proposed to cut the theatre’s funding by £40,000 each year for the next three years. If implemented, the cuts could lead to job losses and immediate reduction of opening hours at the centre.

A Neath Port Talbot spokesperson stressed that no decision has been finalised and the council are consulting with the local community until December.

In order to raise awareness, Arts in the Tawe Valley members have organised a re-launch of the Oriel Lliw at the centre which is set to take place on Friday, November 25.

Arts in the Tawe Valley committee member Tina Francis said: “We are all very exciting to be hosting our re-launch at Pontardawe Arts Centre.

“From November 26, we will be running the Oriel Lliw in the centre which allows us to showcase our work regularly with exhibitions and we will also be holding workshops.”

Arts in the Tawe Valley have been involved in several community ventures including Ystradgynlais Shopping and Trading Group.

The art group is the brainchild of artist Rhian Goodhand who visualised the idea whilst at university.

After grouping together some talented glass makers, artists and frescoes ceramics in the area, Arts in the Tawe Valley was born and has gone from strength to strength.

Tina added: “The day of the opening will see the Christmas exhibition which will be available to visit until January 4, where visitors will be able to purchase unique and original gifts ready for Christmas.

“The arts centre needs the community to help keep it from closing and no one on our committee makes any money. We are purely doing this venture for the sake of arts in our community.

“It would be a travesty to lose Pontardawe Arts Centre.”