Carmarthenshire Food Heritage Project: Exploring our food and farming culture through the arts 

On November 5th, a special celebration took place at Yr Egin in Carmarthen, showcasing a vibrant collection of creative work produced by local schools and community groups in collaboration with renowned artists. The event marked the culmination of the Carmarthenshire Food Heritage Project, which has been inviting people to explore and respond to the county’s rich food and farming culture through the arts. 

Carmarthenshire’s Food Story forms part of a wider initiative led by the county’s Food Systems Development Project, in partnership with Bwyd Sir Gâr Food, the local food partnership. Over the past two years, participating groups have visited Bremenda Isaf Farm in Llanarthne—a council-owned farm trialling vegetable production for public, private, and voluntary sector use. 

During these visits, schools and community groups learned about the farm’s history and its current role in sustainable food production. They then worked with artists to create original pieces of art, including poetry, photography, textiles, and song. These creative sessions also served to gather food memories and stories from participants, deepening their connection to local traditions, language, and the land. 

Last week’s event brought together project leaders, artists, and participants to celebrate the powerful work that has emerged from this unique collaboration. 

The participating groups included Cross Hands and Drefach Primary Schools; Merched y Wawr Llanarthne; Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Maes y Gwendraeth; members from Cana and Bancyfelin chapels; Welsh Learners; Llanelli Multicultural Network; Dr Mz and residents of Awel Tywi care home in Llandeilo.  

The artists who took part were Elinor Wyn Reynolds, Lowri Siôn, Siân Lester, Leigh Sinclair, Steffan Rhys Williams, Lowri Johnston, Betsan Haf Evans, Jaqueline Anne Morris and Aneirin Karadog. 

Carwyn Graves, Chair of Bwyd Sir Gâr and one of the project leaders said: “The aim of this project was to bring people of all ages to Bremenda Isaf Farm and invite them to respond to what’s happening there through the arts. With so many different groups involved, we’re beginning to tell the story of the farm—its past, present, and future.” 

 Lowri Siôn Evans, artist and facilitator of the project, said: “It has been an immense privilege to coordinate the Food Heritage Project this year. This has been a unique opportunity to bring creativity and agriculture together – two areas that reflect the heart of our communities here in Carmarthenshire. It’s been inspiring to see the wide number of groups, of different ages and backgrounds, coming together to work with creative artists while exploring the history and stories of Carmarthenshire’s food heritage. Through collaboration and sharing experiences, this project has fostered a deep sense of connection with our land, our history, and our food – and has shown how creativity can be a powerful force to unite people and celebrate what makes our area so special.” 

Pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Cross Hands and Drefach visited the farm and worked with composer Steffan Rhys Williams to write a song. “Visiting the local farm was an incredible practical learning experience for our pupils,” said a teacher who was part of the project. “Working with a famous songwriter to create a song about our area’s food heritage brought the curriculum to life – connecting history, music and our community in a meaningful and memorable way.” 

You can listen to the Welsh language song here:

One of the children who took part added: “We loved seeing how the vegetables grow on the farm! Writing and singing a song with Steffan was an amazing experience – it made us proud of our local traditions and our special food heritage.” 

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Communities and Welsh Language, Cllr Carys Jones, said: “This project showcases the deep connection between our land, food and people here in Carmarthenshire. By bringing together schools, community groups and artists, the project celebrates our shared food heritage while strengthening pride in our rural communities, the Welsh language, and our culture. It’s great to see creativity bringing people of all ages together to share in the stories and traditions that make Carmarthenshire such a vibrant county.”  

The exhibition is expected to tour other locations across the county in the coming months. 

For further information regarding Bwyd Sir Gâr Food, visit the website.