Swansea Council has commissioned two renowned Welsh artists to create a permanent memorial to those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The council has jointly appointed Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones and made its announcement just before March 9’s UK-wide Covid Day of Reflection.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “The impact of Covid continues to live with us every day.
“We promised all those in Swansea affected by the pandemic that we’d honour and remember them.
“The memorial will be a permanent focal point of recognition for those that were affected for remembrance and reflection, for the unity that was inspired by our collective experience and hope for the future.
“The memorial will be shaped by the voices of those it represents. Through community engagement, we want to ensure that this tribute reflects the experiences, resilience and memories of Swansea.”
Elliott King, cabinet member for culture and equalities, said: “We’ll never forget those who died or their families. We’ll all have our own stories and memories of sadness, togetherness and hope, and our aspiration is that this will be reflected in a unifying and poignant memorial.”
Catrin and Angharad were appointed following an open application process, inviting UK artists to participate.
They’re aware of how Covid impacted – and continues to have an impact on – society through matters such as long Covid, and children and young people in education. It’s planned that their commission will involve community engagement to create an overarching narrative.
Catrin Jones said: “We look forward to working together to deliver a meaningful and poignant piece of public art for Swansea.”
