Celebrating Community and Creativity: Mosaic Art Project Brings Dyffryn Lower School Memories to Life

With 43 new affordable homes set to be built on the site, we were keen to ensure that the legacy of the building wasn’t lost. Thanks to a £164,964 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’ve been able to support this creative project as part of our wider What Once Stood initiative.

Working alongside local artist Alison McGann and mosaicist Chris Partridge, Tanio invited local residents, families and former pupils to share their memories of Lower Dyffryn School. These stories inspired the design of a series of mosaic artworks — all created using original tiles reclaimed from the school buildings.

Tanio ran free workshops in Aberafan Shopping Centre, offering local people the chance to contribute ideas, share their stories, and even help build the mosaics themselves.

Lisa Davies, Chief Executive of Tanio, said:

“We were really excited to bring this free family arts activity to Port Talbot. It was a joy to meet so many members of the community and hear their memories of the school. The final mosaic will be a lasting tribute that everyone can enjoy.”

The artwork, which will be installed in the communal green space of the new development, is a celebration of community spirit and a lasting connection to the past. It’s a wonderful example of how regeneration can honour history while building for the future.

Rachel Taylor, What Once Stood Project Officer at Linc, added:

“The school holds so many memories for the local community. Capturing and remembering these stories is a vital part of this regeneration project, and we’re proud to have worked with Tanio to help make it happen."

We’re also proud to share that the project was nominated for an Arts & Business Cymru Award – a well-deserved recognition of the creative collaboration behind this inspiring initiative.

Once the development is complete, the mosaics will be installed in the landscaped green space at the heart of the site. While it will be one of the final features to be added, it promises to be a real focal point for the community — a space where people can sit, reflect and enjoy the artwork. In fact, even the artists won’t see the full mosaic until it’s in place, as sections are kept covered during the creative process. We can’t wait to see it revealed in all its glory!