7 amazing reasons to visit Tŷ Pawb

This vibrant cultural hub in the centre of Wrexham in Wales was once the People’s Market; now it is a space for creativity, combining art and commerce, all with community in mind

Tŷ Pawb in its central setting in Wrexham. Image: Courtesy Tŷ Pawb

Where can you find Tŷ Pawb?

Locate this fantastic centre for the arts and more right in the heart of Wrexham’s cultural and commercial centre. The historic market town in North Wales is accessible by bus, train and car. 

Why should you visit?

The name, meaning ‘Everyone’s House’, gives an idea of the mission of this relatively new arts and community space. Shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2022, it only opened in 2018 and encompasses two galleries, including an accessible arts studio, a performance space, rooftop garden, food court and market hall, which houses over 30 local independent businesses. This melting pot of creativity is testament to how all kinds of innovation can come together in one space, whether it be brilliant works of contemporary art or a great craft beer. 

Great Crested Grebe, Daffodils by Cerys Knighton. Courtesy of artist and Tŷ Pawb

Which exhibits are a must-see?

Check out the touring Disability Arts Cymru (DAC) Arts Prize Exhibition, which features 26 works by disabled Welsh-based artists who responded to the theme of Aildanio (reignite), all of which were selected by open submission. These include Cerys Knighton’s beautiful ink drawing Great Crested Grebe, Daffodils, seen here, which represents ideas of extreme shifts in energy and expression experienced in bipolar disorder.

Children and parents enjoying art activities. Image: © Emli Bendixen – Art Fund

What’s on this month?

Take part in Family Art Club, which features artist-led sessions and breakfast for the little ones every Saturday. This great initiative ensures access to the arts at a time when many schools have less art education on offer. Be sure to look out, too, for special ‘meet the artists’ events with current Maker Space residents Ffion Pritchard and Menai Rowlands. Their project focuses on telling community stories through the use of puppetry.

A billboard commission by artist Alan Dunn. Courtesy Tŷ Pawb

Any special artistic connections?

Tŷ Pawb has celebrated the work of many Welsh contemporary artists, including the internationally renowned Bedwyr Williams, who represented the country at the Venice Biennale in 2013. In addition to an annual ‘open’ exhibition, a yearly billboard commission gives an artist the chance to exhibit across the walls of Tŷ Pawb. Work by Alan Dunn, who takes inspiration from the site’s market traders, is currently on show. 

Shop for wares from local businesses and sample great food. Courtesy Tŷ Pawb

Make a day of it

Sample the delights of the Tŷ Pawb food court with offerings from PIE’d PIE’per Pies (it is easy to guess what they serve!), Curry on the Go and Bar Sgwâr, which specialises in locally produced ales. In terms of shopping, the market features offerings such as ReVibed records, which sells vintage vinyl and cassettes, and handmade textiles by Cardiff Metropolitan University graduate Siwan, at Siop Siwan. For those wanting to venture further afield, head out a couple of miles to the stunning 1,200-acre estate of Erddig, with its 17th-century country house and formal gardens and fascinating stories of its family and their servants.

Here’s a fun fact…

As Tŷ Pawb was originally the covered People’s Market, it also featured a multi-storey car park. While most cultural centres would swallow up the space as part of the renovation, these parking decks still exist on the upper floors and clever slices have been made through each level to offer natural light to the market and galleries below.

Find out more at typawb.wales

Going local 

Do you live close by – then why not join the local Arts Society?

Local Societies include:

The Arts Society Chester theartssociety.org/chester

The Arts Society Mid Wales and Borders theartssociety.org/mid-wales-borders

The Arts Society Tarporley tastarporley.uk

Upcoming art talks include Erddig – The Jewel in the Crown of Welsh Country Houses organised by The Arts Society Mid Wales and Borders on 27 April.