The Trebanog Project
2016 - Present
The Trebanog Project is an emerging social enterprise focusing on social learning, creativity and inclusion, developed in an unused school in Rhondda.
In 2016, Owen worked with Artes Mundi, in partnership with Trivallis (formerly RCT Homes) and Valleys Kids, as part of It’s Art But It’s Not, to reimagine a derelict school. The project focused on exploring the regeneration of physical and social spaces, through a participatory, artist led approach. Rhiwgarn Infant School became the base for an ongoing dialogue around community, place and the usefulness of art for social change. Project photographer was Michal Iwanowski.
After taking over the school, Owen worked with the community to develop a learning and events programme, which invited local residents to transform the site into something useful. Together they learned new skills, such as ceramics, carpentry and cooking, and built an oven in the school playground, making pizzas and delivering freshly baked bread to the surrounding streets. Workshops include a charrette with Kristian Byskov and Margarita Torrijos Krag, pottery with Judith Rees and skating with Spit & Sawdust.