Galeri Caernarfon Cyf has today (22 September) announced its new Artistic Director: Mari Elen Jones.
As a theatre maker and performer, a member of Cwmni Tebot and creator of the podcast 'Gwrachod Heddiw', Mari will bring a wide range of experience to her role.
By curating the Company's artistic programme, this role will shape the Arts Centre's visitor experience, as well as working as a catalyst for the arts canvas of Caernarfon and the surrounding area — by collaborating with key partners in the town and beyond.
Between the Company's property portfolio and the long term lease of the Slate Quay artisan shopping village, the variety of the role is very broad and exciting.
Commenting on this new journey, Mari said: "In this day and age I feel it's important for people to come together to enjoy and escape, and for me, there's no better escape than the arts.
"My intention is to develop a programme that is going to offer something for everyone — exciting audiences, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that everyone's voices are represented through Galeri's creative offering. By opening its doors to everyone and collaborating with artists, companies and the local community, Galeri will boom, thrive and broaden its horizons."
Mari is a familiar face at Galeri following her time working as Coordinator for Sbarc, Galeri's youth theatre. Upon returning, she will reconnect with a team and mission that is very close to her heart.
Mari added: "Galeri is an iconic building here in Arfon which has given me special experiences over the years and great memories of working with Sbarc, Cain and more. But it must be remembered that Galeri is more than a building — it has been a creative refuge for people just like me who yearn for connection; a real hub in the heart of Caernarfon that offers itself as the heart of the artistic community in north-west Wales. I'm really looking forward to navigating the creative side in the next chapter of Galeri."
It comes as Galeri's team and success has grown under the leadership of Chief Executive, Nia Arfon — with over 30% more tickets sold in the first half of 2025 than the same period last year.
Nia said: "Dynamic, energetic and original — those are the values that will push Galeri into its next chapter as a company, and the exact values that Mari presented to us as part of the interview process. Galeri is an organisation that drives economic and social growth, and with Mari as part of the senior team, we are confident that we will be able to intertwine creative and cultural experiences into the prosperity of the local area. A very warm welcome, Mari!"
Mari will take up her post over the autumn period.
To find out more about the work of Galeri Caernarfon Cyf, visit: Galeri Caernarfon Cyf, Caernarfon, Gwynedd