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Wales REACH

Wales REACH (Residents Engaging in Arts, Culture and Heritage) is an exciting project led by The Open University that uses heritage and creative arts.

The project supports people in various parts of Wales to explore their connection with the histories of their local areas and communities.

Open University Project Officer with Individual supported by Innovate Trust sitting at a table working on the Wales Reach project

About the Wales REACH project

Wales has a rich history and some wonderful places to hold activities and explore its history. The Wales REACH project focuses on engaging with communities and working with them to shape the outcomes of this project.

Wales REACH is a heritage and creative arts project that supports people in five areas of Wales in exploring connections with the histories of their local areas.  

The project explores what kinds of heritage matters to its communities and participants. It helps them to use that heritage as inspiration for arts and creativity.  

Wales REACH shows a side of Welsh history that people do not usually see. 

Innovate Trust and Wales REACH

Overall, there are 13 organisations involved in the Open University and Amgueddfa Cymru’s Wales REACH project.  

Innovate Trust’s role is to lead REACH’s work in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Cardiff.  Our aim is to make heritage more accessible to the learning disability and neurodivergent community.  

We will help our communities to learn more about their Welsh heritage in an accessible way, while encouraging feedback and project direction.

A group of individuals with learning disabilities and their support networks sat around a long U shaped table in a room. They are listening to an person doing presentation

Wales REACH feedback

Owen in Cardiff Bay holding a photo of the same place in Cardiff Bay in history

It's very interesting comparing the photos of the past with how it looks now.

Project partners

Amgueddfa Cymru logo
First Choice Housing association logo
Linc Cymru logo
GIG Public Health Wales logo
Taff Housing Association logo

Project funders

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.

Wales REACH is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to explore the stories and histories of Welsh communities through the creative arts. 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund Acknowledgement Stamp

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