MINIPRINT CYMRU | WALES | Swansea Print Workshop

INTRODUCTION

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales is a collaborative, Wales-wide initiative which supports and celebrates artistic talent and participation in printmaking in Wales through small-scale artwork.
The initiative was created in 2023 led by Swansea Print Workshop to raise the profile of printmaking in Wales. You can read more about the initial project at MiniPrint Wales 2023.
In 2025/6 MiniPrint Cymru |Wales was led by Swansea Print Workshop (SPW) in the South and the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art (RCA) in the North. It was greatly supported in the West and East by Aberystwyth Printmakers and the Regional Print Centre in Wrexham, who plan to take the reins in 2027/28 to further develop this biennial opportunity.
Despite Wales’ geographical barriers which often prevent engagement and collaboration, through MiniPrint Cymru | Wales, we successfully nurtured relationships with print studios and arts organisations, and connected with hundreds of artists and printmakers across the country.
The strength of this collaborative partnership has given MiniPrint Cymru | Wales a voice; however, the artists and printmakers across Wales who responded to our call-out and submitted work validated our aspirations to make this a sustainable and viable recurring event.

EXHIBITION

Yn arddangosfa o 270 o brintiau bach, mae MiniPrint Cymru | Wales yn dathlu poblogrwydd gwneud printiau fel celfyddyd. Heb ei gyfyngu gan y fformat graddfa fach, mae’r casgliad trawiadol hwn o brintiau yn mynegi creadigrwydd cyfoethog artistiaid o bob cwr o Gymru, ac yn arddangos y posibiliadau dychmygus a gynigir gan dechnegau gwneud printiau.

An exhibition of 270 mini prints, MiniPrint Cymru | Wales celebrates the mass appeal of printmaking as an artform. Unconstrained by the small-scale format, this impressive collection of prints expresses the rich creativity of artists from across Wales, and showcases the imaginative possibilities offered by printmaking techniques.

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales was shown at two fantastic galleries: Mission Gallery in Swansea and Mostyn in Llandudno.

The accessibility and versatility of the medium encouraged submissions from a diverse group of artists across Wales, emerging and professional printmakers alike. We were delighted to receive submissions from all regions, and across the border where artists are members of print organisations in Wales.

The exhibition was very well attended at both venues with plenty of sales and great feedback from visitors – raising the profile of printmaking in Wales and giving Wales-based artists great opportunities to show and sell work.

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales at Mission Gallery, Swansea

It was first shown at Mission Gallery, Swansea from 8 November 2025 to 10 January 2026 | Gloucester Place, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 1TY | www.missiongallery.co.uk

The prints are amazing | Superb selection of work | Really amazing | Excellent. I’ll be back | Wonderful work | A beautiful & eclectic exhibition | Fabulous work – an inspiring exhibition | Lovely prints and technical variety | An amazing array of an eclectic mix of prints … Da iawn pawb | An amazing array of detailed prints | Splendid! | I’m so proud to be part of a wonderful exhibition! | Fantastic prints, some very unusual! | Great show | Fantastic show | Wonderful exhibition – amazing variety and lovely to see range from printmakers across Wales | Love the exhibition … | Fantastic variety of work. Very impressive standard | Amazing and inspiring collection. Thank you! | A very intriguing show. Thank you | A-mazing!

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales at Mostyn, Llandudno

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales travelled to its venue in the north at Mostyn reaching a new audience and continuing to support printmakers and printmaking across Wales. | 14 March 2026 to 2 May 2026 | 12 Vaughan Street, Llandudno, LL30 1AB | www.mostyn.org

PUBLICATION

Accompanying the exhibition was a high-quality, bi-lingual publication, beautifully presenting in full colour all 270 prints from artists across Wales selected in 2025 for MINIPRINT CYMRU | WALES.

Copies of the publication can be purchased from our Online Shop.

SELECTION PANEL

Our Selection Panel came from various locations across Wales. Each Panel Member had a different background in the creative arts and, together, they brought a range of expertise and depth of experience both as practising artists and in supporting artists and printmaking in diverse and fascinating ways.

They had the challenging task of selecting 270 mini prints for display from almost 400 submissions which were made using CuratorSpace, a digital online platform. This enabled the artwork to be anonymised for the panel to make judgements independently using set criteria.

Andrew Baldwin | Tutor at Aberystwyth University School of Art for 38 years. Owner of Trefeglwys Printmaking Studio. Innovator and developer of non toxic printmaking centred around BIG (Baldwin’s ink ground). Awards in printmaking: Welsh Artist of the Year (printmaking section), Most Exceptional Printmaker awarded by the Federation of British Printmakers, and Lecturer of the Year Award 2023 Aberystwyth University. Teacher of printmaking and Artist in Residence at studios both nationally and internationally, most recently in spring of 2025 at Equinox Studio and Printmakers at the Tannery, California | Specialism : fine art printing.

Jude Lau | Jude is co-founder and director of Printhaus, an independent print studio established in 2009, with training in fine art and multi-disciplinary printmaking. Her creative practice centres on people—collaborating with, training, supporting, and mentoring individuals across all skill levels and ages. Her dedication extends beyond personal artistic expression into community engagement and education, making printmaking accessible and meaningful for diverse participants. Lau’s leadership at Printhaus reflects her commitment to nurturing creative talent and building collaborative artistic communities | Specialism: screenprinting.

Ruth Thomas | Based in rural North Wales, Ruth Thomas makes original prints in response to the natural world around her. She has exhibited in galleries across the UK and internationally. Her work has been selected for many open calls including the National Eisteddfod 2024, RBSA Print Prize Exhibition 2024, RWA Open Exhibition 2023, Print International Wrexham 2021 and the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2019. Ruth has twice been a prize-winner in the North Wales Open. She was elected to the Royal Cambrian Academy in 2005 and the Makers Guild in Wales in 2021. Her prints are in collections in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the UK and the USA | Specialism: collagraph.

Tom Whitehead | Tom is a screen-printer with 20 years of expertise and co-founding director of Printhaus, specialising in textile printing and print art-working. Alongside Aidan Saunders of Printwagon, he organises the Printed festival at Chapter Arts Centre, dedicated to making print accessible and enjoyable for everyone. To satisfy his creative impulses, he runs Ed & Flo, his personal T-shirt design company. Through his various professional endeavours, he continues to champion print as both an art form and a craft, sharing his passion and knowledge with both established practitioners and newcomers to the medium | Specialism: textile printing.

Rhian Wyn Stone | Rhian is Gallery Director of Mission Gallery, Swansea, working in collaboration with Sarah Jane Cook, Business & Development Director. With a background in contemporary crafts, Rhian’s role encompasses both exhibitions and retail. She strongly believes in the importance of building appreciation for craft in all its forms; and in supporting artists and makers at all levels of their careers | Specialism: crafts.

REGIONAL PARTNERS’ COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Cyanotype | Open Community workshop participants | Royal Cambrian Academy of Art

The mini print format enabled artists to create artwork in almost any setting. A small number of community workshops were scheduled in each region to encourage submissions from complete beginners and developing printmakers.

Linocut workshop with chine collé | Hospice at Home, Art and Friendship Group | Aberystwyth Printmakers

This carried forward an ethos embedded in the original project to support participation in printmaking, to nurture Wales-based artists and give them opportunities to grow and refine their skills.

Screenprinting with paper stencils | RPC Developers | Regional Print Centre

When participants from all Regional Partner workshops were asked what they enjoyed about the workshops, feedback was very positive:

The reveal of the results | The whole experience | The end result! | Learning the whole process was something new for me. I found it very interesting. | I took myself by surprise. The image I made was totally spontaneous and the final result was beyond my expectations | Being with other people, seeing what they were doing. Learning a new technique | Amazing, rewarding, very well taught. I loved it all! | A lot of fun and very interesting | Being creative. Learning new techniques. The use of plants and natural elements | Using natural plants and learning new things | It was a wonderful session | Loved it. Great group of people | The sharing of knowledge and working in an environment with other artists | The freedom to experiment | Very therapeutic and calming, and there was a great sense of accomplishment in taking something from start to finish.

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS @ SPW

At SPW we put together a series of workshops designed to engage underrepresented communities who wouldn’t ordinarily access the medium or a printmaking facility. SPW was supported with funding by Swansea Council and the Brecknock Trust who, together with Swansea University, facilitated our connections with six community groups that took part:

Adferiad | A member-led charity that campaigns for and provides services to people affected by mental ill health, drug or alcohol use, gambling harms and other challenging circumstances.

An introduction to single-block linocut design and cutting, with single colour and chine collé printing techniques | Lead Artist: Rose Davies | Volunteer Artist Support: Louise Hughes

This mini print workshop opportunity allowed members of the group to learn a new art medium and gain the confidence to attend a social event outside of their comfort zone. It also allowed them to express their creativity in a safe and positive environment with the potential of having their art piece exhibited which would be a first for all of their members.

Chinese in Wales Association | Chinese Autism Support support a group of parent carers of autistic children. Due to language barriers and cultural differences, they face various issues in their lives. The group’s aim is to: “provide them with opportunities to participate in different activities – such as arts and crafts – to promote their wellbeing, encourage them to give time back to themselves, get them out of their everyday routine activities and just have fun; to socialise with others and enjoy learning something new at the same time.”

Eureka Group, Swansea University | Eureka is a social group for autistic students at Swansea University. Organised by the University’s Wellbeing & Disability Service, it provides a safe space where members can socialise and interact in ways that suit them best. The group facilitates connections among like-minded individuals, helping to foster a sense of community, belonging and wellbeing during the often challenging transition to university life.

The Eureka group is thrilled to be involved in the Mini Print Wales project, and look forward to embracing opportunities to learn new skills and exercise creativity.

An introduction to Cyanotype | Lead Artist: Nathalie Stone | Volunteer Artist support: Pat Lowe

Mums and Toddlers Foundation

Today’s art session was truly incredible — such a mentally refreshing experience! Stepping away from the usual routine of work, kids, and house chores to try something new was exactly what I needed. It was a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with myself and explore my creative side. Workshop participant

Intaglio collagraph | Lead Artist: Marian Haf | Volunteer Artist Support: Ceri Roberts

Adult Learners, Gower College, Swansea (Bilingual)

Intaglio Collagraph | Lead Artist: Marian Haf

Coed Lleol | Coed Lleol / Small Woods is a charity which helps improve the health and wellbeing of people across Wales though woodland and nature based activities.

Introduction to Gelli Prints | Lead Artist: Louise Hughes | Volunteer Artist Support: Yvonne Hills

Staff from Coed Lleol/Small Woods made colourful prints using this versatile, accessible printmaking technique.

Really welcoming environment, especially as someone with zero prior experience! Staff were understanding and encouraging. Found the process very therapeutic and calming, and there was a great sense of accomplishment in taking something from start to finish. Workshop participant

MAKING MINIPRINTS @ SPW

To support artists wishing to create new work for MiniPrint Cymru | Wales, SPW offered a number of workshops in our Annual Workshop Programme which had a focus on small-scale prints:

We were also pleased to work with a group of Creative Arts Staff at Gower College, Swansea and with members of Oriel Q Gallery, Narberth.

Drypoint with Chine Collé Mini Prints with Sian Barlow

Relief Print with Chine Collé Mini Prints Vinita Voogd

Intaglio Collagraph Mini Prints with Marian Haf

Cyanotype/Solarfast workshop with Nathalie Stone

PRINT NETWORK WALES

Through MiniPrint Cymru | Wales, the discussion reopened around the benefits of a Welsh print collective to champion and promote Welsh contemporary fine art printmaking. Veronica Calarco from Stiwdio Maelor and Aberystwyth Printmakers hosted a conference to facilitate the discussions and plan the next steps.
Reflecting the contributions made by the 30+ conference attendees, the Print Network Wales steering group was established. They created a bilingual survey which was disseminated across Wales and completed by 115 individuals. The results advocate the development of a national platform, which could lead to productive and meaningful partnerships and opportunities, and give Wales-based print centres and printmakers a stronger voice nationally and internationally.

LOOKING AHEAD

As a result of the positive response from printmakers across Wales, the partnership as a whole has developed an appetite to further grow the MiniPrint Cymru | Wales initiative to become a biennial Wales-wide event and brand.

‘Print Network Wales’ would be key to this development in its role to champion and promote Welsh contemporary fine art printmaking as an artform, and to raise the profile of the print workshops and printmakers of Wales on a national and international platform.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sarah Hopkins at Swansea Print Workshop was Project Director of MiniPrint Cymru | Wales 2025-26. Many people and organisations contributed to make it a success:

Artistiaid Arweiniol | Lead Artists

Gwirfoddolwyr | Volunteers

Ymgysylltu Cymunedol | Community Engagement

Cydnabyddiaethau | Acknowledgements

Gyda diolch yn arbennig i | With special thanks to

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales was made possible by funding from the Arts Council of Wales

Swansea Print Workshop would like to thank the Brecknock Trust and Swansea Council for their support.

Swansea Print Workshop

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