Raising Aspirations

Oriel Davies Gallery and Powys Together have been working collaboratively since 2019 to deliver a bilingual creative programme to pupils in all of Newtown’s six primary schools - Ysgol Dafydd Llwyd, Ysgol Maersyrhandir, Ysgol Penygloddfa, Ysgol Treowen, Ysgol Calon y Dderwen, St Marys Catholic Primary School.

The programme is part of a Powys Together project called Raising Aspirationssupporting Year 6 pupils as they prepare for High School. Raising Aspirations encourages curiosity, conversation and confidence. It supports pupils in imagining their futures without limitations. Oriel Davies has worked with hundreds of pupils both in the gallery and in school with tours, artist led workshops and exhibitions of the pupils’ work.

In 2026 generous funding from Max Literacy enabled the gallery to extend the programme. Artist Gweni LLwyd has worked with the schools to explore literacy through a wide lens of creativity and has produced a playful, inclusive digital resource for schools.

Max Literacy Awards exist to promote creative writing in schools and last year extended its funding to Wales. The Awards run biannually and are organised by Engage.

With thanks to all the schools and teaching staff, Donna Jenkins of Powys Together, Gweni Llwyd, Oriel Davies volunteers Andy, Victoria, Jonathan and Clare.

“Isn’t this the best day ever”