The Butetown heritage mural reflects locals’ stories, symbolizing unity and support while highlighting the diversity of the area.
A decorated street artist has brought a Butetown wall to life as part of a social initiative to share the stories of the diverse communities living in the area.
‘The Butetown heritage mural’ by artist Lucy Sweeney on Dumballs road contrasts the ‘gloomy history’ of the Tiger Bay with its bustling multi cultural identity of today. The colorful piece of art inaugarated a fortnight ago, which has brought communities together is now aspiring to become a new landmark in the Cardiff Bay region.
The mural was initiated by ‘Our Cardiff’ project of Cadwyn- a non profit homeowners’s association fighting homelessness. According to Cadwyn representative Iwan Llewelyn, “The idea was to celebrate everything and everyone that has made Butetown such an incredible place over the years, focusing on its positive aspects”.
“We reached out to locals to understand what the area means to them—their belongings, their attachments”, says Llewelyn. “We gathered those ideas and through the mural expressed them to the world”.
The project worked closely with neighborhood businesses, community groups, and the local radio to rally support. Residents shared their stories about home, heritage, and belonging, captured by local filmmaker Zaid Djerdi. These inputs laid the foundation for the artwork’s design.
Nestled on a wall just beside Nulife Furniture, along the Dumballs road, the street art’s vivid colors and bold contrasts draw immediate attention.
For locals and Nulife volunteers such as Megan Lawless and Helen Wilkins, the mural’s location feels deeply symbolic. “The black part of the mural represents the past, and the vibrant colors represent the present and the future,” Megan shared. “And that resonates with the people who visit Nulife, people who wish to start their life from the scratch once again”.
Nulife, a part of Cadwyn, is a nonprofit furniture store that supports the locals. Cadwyn, as well as the Cardiff City Council regularly distributes Nulife vouchers to individuals moving out of temporary shelters, helping them furnish their homes as they start a fresh journey.
“It’s a safe place radiating warmth for anyone regardless of their background,” says Helen.
For Hugh, a local resident, “It reflects the area’s shared heritage and vibrant diversity, bringing the community’s collective story to life.”
The project gained momentum in mid-June when the residents selected Lucy Sweeney, a renowned street artist, to create the piece. A few artists submitted designs based on residents’ input, and Lucy’s vision resonated the most with the community.
By mid-August, the mural’s location was finalized and work began. With funding from Cadwyn and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the piece of art was completed in around two months and celebrated at a community event at the Butetown Community Centre on 30 October. Nearly a hundred people participated in the ceremony.
Fuelled by the recent success, ‘Our Cardiff’ strives for more. Already there is a plan to launch a website along with a QR code on the mural, which will direct visitors to an interactive digital history of Butetown. This feature will offer stories, visuals, and insights into the area’s rich heritage, allowing locals and tourists alike to engage more deeply with the community’s legacy.