Research \ Ymchwil
Exploring new housing models for
artists & Young People
Peak is undertaking ongoing research into alternative housing models that better support artists and young people living and working in rural Wales. This work responds to growing challenges around affordability, sustainability, and the difficulties artists face in building long-term lives and careers in the region.
In collaboration with architectural researcher and practitioner Dr Jonathan Orlek (Liverpool John Moores University / Studio Polpo) and research assistant Nisali Siriwardene, we have been mapping relationships between arts organisations, affordable housing, residencies, community-led housing, and creative practice. Together, we are developing spatial typologies that help visualise possible local housing futures.
In early 2025, Jon visited Peak to host a series of workshops with young people, artists and Peak staff. These sessions explored the barriers, opportunities, and needs for affordable housing in South Wales, reflecting on the potential roles that artists, communities, and arts organisations could play in shaping new housing models.
Across 2025, we also met with Cwmpas and their Communities Creating Homes team, who helped us to better understand community-led housing projects in Wales and identify possible next steps for Peak. We also shared learning and discussed challenges with curator David Cleary (Conveyor Cymru), Our Food 1200, and Black Mountains College, all of whom are encountering similar challenges for young people living and working in rural areas. =
This research is ongoing. If you’re interested in learning more, or would like to share related work or ideas, please get in touch with polly@peak.cymru.
This research has been made possible with support from the Powys Making a Difference Fund, Powys County Council, and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Ymchwil ar fodelau tai newydd i
artistiaid a Phobl Ifanc
Mae Peak yn cynnal ymchwil hirdymor ar fodelau tai amgen fyddai’n cynnig mwy o gefnogaeth i artistiaid a phobl ifanc sy’n byw yn y Gymru wledig.
Mewn cydweithrediad gyda’r ymchwilydd a’r ymarferydd pensaernïol Dr Jonathan Orlek (Prifysgol John Moores Lerpŵl / Studio Polpo) a’r cynorthwyydd ymchwil Nisali Siriwardene, rydym wedi bod yn mapio perthnasau rhwng sefydliadau celfyddydol, cartrefi fforddiadwy, preswylfeydd, cartrefi cymunedol, ac ymarfer creadigol. Gyda’n gilydd, rydym yn datblygu teipolegau gofodol sy’n gymorth wrth ddychmygu dyfodolau posib o ran tai yn lleol.
Ar ddechrau 2025, daeth Jon i ymweld â Peak er mwyn cynnal cyfres o weithdai gyda phobl ifanc, artistiaid a staff Peak. Roedd y sesiynau hyn yn archwilio’r rhwystrau, y cyfleoedd a’r anghenion sy’n bodoli mewn perthynas â thai fforddiadwy yn Ne Cymru, gan fyfyrio ar y gwaith posib y gall artistiaid, cymunedau a sefydliadau celfyddydol ei wneud wrth lunio modelau newydd ar gyfer cartrefi.
Drwy gydol 2025, buon ni’n cwrdd â Cwmpas, a’u tîm Cymunedau’n Creu Cartrefi, fu’n gymorth i ni ddeall projectau tai wedi eu harwain gan gymunedau yng Nghymru ac adnabod camau nesaf posib i Peak. Buon ni hefyd yn rhannu yr hyn yr ydym wedi ei ddysgu a thrafod heriau gyda’r curadur David Cleary (Conveyor Cymru), Our Food 1200, a Black Mountains College, gyda phob un ohonom yn dod ar draws heriau tebyg sy’n wynebu pobl ifanc sy’n byw a gweithio mewn ardaloedd gwledig.
Mae’r ymchwil hwn yn parhau. Os oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn dysgu rhagor, neu’n awyddus i rannu gwaith neu syniadau cysylltiedig, cysylltwch â polly@peak.cymru.
Gwnaed yr ymchwil hwn yn bosib drwy gefnogaeth gan Gronfa Gwneud Gwahaniaeth Powys, a sefydliad Paul Hamlyn.