THE Josef Herman Art Foundation in Ystradgynlais has been awarded a £5,500 grant from The Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The Community Grant was set up to strengthen and celebrate coalfield communities, which is currently facing unprecedented challenges because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The interactive learning and educational resource will allow the foundation to redevelop its website and online resources including a digital gallery of the Herman collection, an educational portal with online learning and a new Ystradgynlais Heritage trail, to benefit the local economy and tourism.

Elinor Gilbey, trustee and chair of the foundation said: “The project includes the appointment of a new project officer, the development of a new safe online platform and learning portal for young people, schools and community groups to access.

"The further development of our heritage trail app provides opportunities for young people to learn more about the industrial heritage of their local area.

"It also supports training and recruitment of new volunteers and there will be an area on the resource for people to include their own stories and living history. The project is aimed at young people, families and those presently feeling isolated & alone as well as being accessible to a much wider global community. We know the value of arts for wellbeing and have worked with local community groups and Mind charities in Wales to support health and wellbeing, overcoming the effects of isolation resulting from the lockdown.”

Gary Ellis, Chief Executive, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “This is a vital grant to help the Josef Herman Foundation provide a better service to its community. The Coalfields Regeneration Trust exists to help provide quality infrastructure in former mining communities. We also recognise the importance of retaining and developing local facilities and social enterprises which provide services to former mining communities. Grants like this one are giving a helping hand to organisations across our Coalfield Communities.”

The project starts in July 2021 and is expected to be completed and ready for community use in October 2021.