An exciting new art exhibition has opened in a major Pembrokeshire gallery, showcasing the work of some of the most outstanding contemporary Welsh and international artists.

The Wales Contemporary/Cymry Gyfoes exhibition, founded by Milford Haven’s ‘Waterfront Gallery in 2019 and sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven, has become a significant platform for artistic talent, featuring a stunning array of contemporary artworks from across the globe.

Now in its fifth year, Wales Contemporary/Cymru Gyfoes offers artists the opportunity to showcase their work in both central London and Milford Haven, through two and three-dimensional works. And this year, the total prize fund is a hefty £15,000.

After opening last month with a prize giving ceremony at the Garrison Chapel, Chelsea Barracks, London, the exhibition has now transferred to the Waterfront Gallery in Milford Haven, where selection is now open for the Welsh Public Choice Prize, which will be announced at a closing event on May 17. Visitors to the Waterfront Gallery are invited to vote for their favourite piece, and the most popular choice will receive a prize of £1,000.

This year’s competition saw an overwhelming 1,600 entries from over 800 artists, with works spanning painting, sculpture, drawing, print, ceramics, textiles and glass. An accomplished panel of judges, including painter Ian H Watkins, artist Kelvin Okafor and print maker Katherine Jones RA, shortlisted works for the exhibition and selected winners for the Graham Sutherland Prize, two dimensional, three-dimensional, Welsh and Pembrokeshire pieces.

“We’re delighted to sponsor the Wales Contemporary exhibition for the fifth year and celebrate our longstanding support of the Waterfront Gallery, to bring world-class artwork to Milford Haven,” said Lucy Wonnacott, who is head of communications and marketing at Port of Milford Haven.

“This year’s exhibition really is stunning, and we hope the entries continue to inspire local and aspiring artists to immerse themselves in the culture and creativity that is on display.”

The exhibition opened on March 21 and runs until May 17. The Waterfront Gallery is open between 10.30 am and 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, and admission is free.

A MILFORD HAVEN man has admitted assaulting three police officers and being in possession of a knife in public.

Adam Williams, aged 37, of Richard John Road, appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court last week where he pleaded guilty to five charges.

The court heard that on March 16 Williams was found using a Volkswagen Golf without insurance in Milford Haven. On the same date, he was in possession of a craft knife without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on Richard John Road.

Williams also admitted three counts of common assault of an emergency worker, relating to three police officers.

Magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Williams was remanded into custody and is due to be sentenced on March 31.

ONE of the UK’s longest standing initiatives connecting businesses and organisations with academia is celebrating 50 years of delivering value to the Welsh economy.

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme drives growth and innovation by solving real world ‘business’ challenges in partnership with academics across Wales and the UK. The resulting partnerships are focused on creating solutions that deliver innovation, economic growth and social or environmental benefits, leading to changes that improve people’s lives.

Over the last few years alone, Welsh KTP projects have resulted in 78 new jobs, and a £6.5m investment in innovation – including £1.8m in funding from the Welsh Government, which delivers the scheme in partnership with Innovate UK.

For each pound of public investment this is estimated to have generated a return of up to £5.50 in net economic benefits for the Welsh economy.

Across the UK up to an estimated £2.3bn was added to the economy between 2010 and 2020 thanks to collaborative innovation via KTPs.

The scheme also helps businesses bring in new skills via a talented graduate that is employed to work on the project.

Non-profit Cerebra collaborated with Cardiff University for a recent KTP. The Carmarthen-based charity helps improves the lives of children with brain disorders by supporting their families with their long-term health, education, and social needs.

The KTP developed an AI-driven approach to increase the effectiveness of Cerebra’s marketing campaigns, and secure more donations for the charity.

Associate Professor in Marketing Analytics at Cardiff Business School, Dr Simon Jang said:

“Our KTP with Cerebra shows how Cardiff University collaborates with organisations to deliver real-world impact. By combining our expertise in marketing, data analytics, and AI, we developed data-driven strategies that strengthened Cerebra’s donor engagement and long-term sustainability – demonstrating how KTPs drive both organisational growth and wider social value.”

Business Partner Supervisor for Cerebra, Ricky Howells said:

“This KTP has underpinned the necessity of looking to apply data driven decisions in all aspects of fundraising.

“As a result we will be able to reach and support more families in the future, making a meaningful difference to the lives of children living with a brain condition.”

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said:

“KTPs are an important part of the Welsh innovation ecosystem, driving forward better outcomes for our businesses, our academic institutions, our residents and our environment.

“For fifty years this pioneering programme has enabled businesses and organisations like Cerebra tap into the expertise of some of the best research that the UK has to offer. It has also accelerated progression for graduates, creating high value, well paid jobs throughout Wales.”

Richard Lamb, KTP Programme Manager at Innovate UK, said:

“Innovate UK is proud to work with Welsh Government on the KTP programme as one of its lead supporters. Welsh Government funding not only supports individual projects but supports Welsh universities and colleges to work with local businesses and organisations.”