Merthyr Express column

21st Jan 10
Punk Am Byth
A Merthyr Tydfil artist and art collector is touring his exhibition Punk Forever / Punk Am Byth to north Wales, with a showing at Gwynedd Museum and Gallery, Bangor until 20th February. Gerrion Jones first exhibited his collection, which includes several original art works by renowned artists Jamie Reid, James Cauty and Billy Childish at Merthyr Tydfil College for what was planned as a three day exhibition but actually lasted for six weeks. The exhibition includes imagery from the punk scene of the mid – late seventies, including sometimes controversial artwork and photographs of bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned and others, together with contemporary images of cartoon characters facing their own mortality; with all the gory details you’d expect when applying cartoon actions to real life situations. Gerrion is inviting contributions to his Punk Forever website. Visit www.punkforever.co.uk to contribute and be part of the project with your stories, gig dates, photos, art, poetry or even a venue for future exhibitions.

Youth Film
Zoom Young People’s Film Festival 2010, promises to be bigger and better than ever! Running from the 2nd to the 5th March, Zoom ‘10 promises great films, exciting workshops, the Zoom Young Filmmaker Awards Ceremony and some very special surprises. For more information keep checking the Zoom Website; www.zoomcymru.com. All tickets are only £1.
If you’re a young person: Have you made a film? Would you like to see your film on the big screen? It’s not too late to enter to become a Zoom Young Filmmaker of the year. For more info on the Awards and to see who is eligible visit the website for all the details. Zoom Young People’s Film Festival visits The Muni, Pontypridd on March 2nd and 5th, The Metropole, Abertillery on March 3rd, Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall on March 3rd, Blackwood Miners Institute on March 4th ending at Merthyr Tydfil College on March 4th.

Ignite The Flame
Ignite The Flame is a creative writing competition for all young disabled writers living in Wales, who have a way with words. The competition invites each person to enter one poem or one short story of up to 500 words using “what ignites the flame for you?” as their inspiration: Think about excellence, friendship, respect, determination, inspiration, equality. Entries will be accepted from two age groups: 13-16 years old and 17-25 years old. The organisers will work with the winners from each category to develop their writing skills. The winners’ work will be included in an anthology in 2012. To enter send your poem or short story to Ignite the Flame competition, Disability Arts Cymru, Sbectrwm, Fairwater, Cardiff, CF5 3EF. Or email entries to post@dacymru.com. Entries are also accepted by audio or CD-rom or any other format preferred. The closing date is 29th January 2010

Welsh Broadcaster
The next Cymdeithas Soar night welcomes the entertaining Cris Dafis, writer, broadcaster and tutor to discuss his life, work and views at The Imperial Hotel, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil next Tuesday, 26th January 2010, at 7.30pm. Entry is £2. This event is through the medium of Welsh, for speakers and higher level learners of the language. For further information contact 01685 722176.