The gallery will close on 30th October to enable preparations to be made for a major redevelopment scheme that includes a new lecture & community room and more space for exhibits
The £6 million project, which is being funded by the Welsh Government, the Arts Council of Wales and Swansea Council, will also include a dedicated reading and resource centre devoted to visitor research, Wi-Fi access and improved facilities for working with schools and colleges.
A new storage and conservation area to enable the future development of the collections will also be provided together with enhanced workshops and a new passenger lift that would allow full access to all displays and study facilities.
Although the Gallery will be closed from the end of October, staff are busy working on a temporary programme to continue to offer services throughout the closure.
Popular workshops for schoolchildren and adults will be arranged at alternative venues across the city and some pieces of art will be transferred elsewhere for display.
Much work throughout the temporary closure will also focus on the conservation of artwork in storage for display in future.
The redevelopment is expected to take two years to complete.
Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: "This redevelopment scheme will create a new and exciting visitor experience and bring the attraction into the 21st century while conserving the original character of the building.
"Staff are busy working on an exciting programme of events and activities for other venues in the city throughout the closure to cater for art fans of all ages and abilities."
Huw Lewis, the Welsh Government's Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, said: "Welsh Government funding is helping the gallery make its arts and culture programme more accessible to the local community as well as helping create a new social space in the premises where people can meet, discuss and take part in the arts. I'm delighted to be able to support the gallery through the Swansea Regeneration Area Programme."
An Arts Council of Wales spokesperson said: "The Glynn Vivian is a key venue in our national network of galleries and this project reflects its ambition to deliver the best in the visual arts in Wales. This elegant and ambitious scheme will offer something for everyone."
South Wales Evening Post - 29th September 2011
