Pontardawe Arts Centre

The Pontardawe Arts Centre stands in Herbert Street, Pontardawe, a town in Neath Port Talbot, Wales. It occupies the former Pontardawe Public Hall and Institute, built in 1908 and opened by Adelina Patti. The building fell into disuse and became derelict before plans to revive it were made in 1993. The conversion began under Lliw Valley Borough Council and opened in October 1996. The centre is owned by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and receives core funding from the Arts Council of Wales. The centre provides a wide range of cultural activities. It hosts drama performances in both Welsh and English for adults and children. Dance classes include classical and contemporary styles, while comedy nights feature local clubs and named comedians. Music events cover roots, world, blues, and rock or pop genres. Film screenings range from mainstream releases to specialist choices, with a resident film club. Oriel Lliw gallery displays twelve exhibitions each year by artists from local, national, and international backgrounds. Visitors find a 450-seat digital and surround sound cinema and theatre combined in one hall. The refurbished performance studio replaced the old snooker room and supports theatre activities with excellent technical support. Dance studios are available for classes and rehearsals. The art gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, and a bar provides refreshments. The Clydach and District Amateur Operatic Society and two schools, Class Act Theatre School and Pamela Miller School of Ballet, also operate from the building.