Crisis, the national homelessness charity, is today [8 January 2025] launching a new art exhibition in the Senedd.
The exhibit, which is called Home: The Key to Hope and runs until 13 February 2024, was created by people with lived experience of homelessness who have been supported at the Crisis South Wales Skylight.
The Swansea-based centre provides support and advice to help people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness find a stable place to call home. It also offers a range of learning and personal development sessions – including arts and crafts sessions – to help members of the charity develop new skills and seek some respite from the significant challenges and trauma that comes with experiencing homelessness.
The new thought-provoking exhibition, which comprises of a range of artforms, including photography, Gelli printing, crafting and creative writing, invites viewers to reflect on the varied pressures that can push people into homelessness as well as the barriers faced by people who don’t have a secure home.
Without a home, it can be difficult to maintain a job, stay mentally and physically healthy, and nurture relationships. The exhibition emphasises that a stable home is a basis from which we can build our lives.
Today’s exhibition launch is being hosted by Julie James, a local Member of the Senedd to the South Wales Skylight, and is a chance to hear directly from members who were involved in creating the exhibition and to celebrate their artistic talents.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, will also be speaking at the event.
One of the charity’s members who helped to lead and create the exhibition, said: “The message I hope that people will take away from the Senedd exhibition is that homelessness can happen to anybody and at anytime.
“I hope people’s attitudes toward being homeless changes, as did mine. There is still a lot of misunderstanding by people of homelessness and I hope that they will view it with more empathy.”
Archie, another artist who contributed to the exhibition, added: “Sharing my story—both the struggles and the triumphs—alongside others has been a powerful and empowering experience. I’m also eager to learn from the diverse stories being shared. I hope the exhibition fosters understanding and empathy, raising awareness and inspiring meaningful change.”
Leanne Davies, Learning Manager at Crisis’ South Wales Skylight, said: “I’m so proud of all our members who have taken part in this wonderful exhibition at the iconic Senedd building. It is fantastic to be able to celebrate their artistic talents at this very special launch event today.
“Our members have worked so hard on this exhibition because they wanted to send a powerful message to everyone that visits the Senedd and the politicians who work within it.
“The thought-provoking artwork they have created raises awareness of the multiple and varied challenges that people who are experiencing homelessness can face.
“The exhibition asks viewers to reflect on what a home really means and emphasises that, for many people who are experiencing the trauma of homelessness, the key to a home unlocks so much more than a door. For many, home is the key to hope.”
Julie James, who is a local Member of the Senedd to the Crisis South Wales Skylight and is sponsoring the exhibition, said: “I am deeply honoured to sponsor the Home: The Key to Hope exhibition at the Senedd. This powerful showcase of artistic expression by people with lived experience of homelessness challenges us all to think differently about what it means to have a home, and how easy it can be to lose one.
“A home is not just a roof over our heads; it is the foundation for hope, stability, and opportunity. The voices and stories shared through this exhibition highlight the resilience and creativity of individuals who have faced unimaginable hardships.
“It is my hope that this exhibition inspires us all to work toward a future where everyone has a secure and stable place to call home.”
The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “The range of services provided by the South Wales Skylight Centre is really impressive and I’d like to thank all staff for their care, compassion and dedication to supporting people and transforming their lives.
“Everyone deserves to have somewhere to call home and I am very grateful for Crisis’ continued support and expertise as we work to achieve our shared ambition to end all forms of homelessness in Wales.”
Home: The Key to Hope is on display at the Senedd Oriel until 13 February 2025.
