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MiniPrint Cymru | Wales is an initiative designed to raise the profile of Wales-wide printmaking through the collaboration of regional partner organisations: Royal Cambrian Academy of Art (North), Swansea Print Workshop (South), Aberystwyth Printmakers (West) and the Regional Print Centre (East).

Developed from a pilot project in 2023 led by Swansea Print Workshop, the ambition of MiniPrint Cymru | Wales is to create a sustainable, Wales-wide biennial event with regional partner organisations hosting the programme and exhibition on a rotational basis.

MiniPrint Cymru | Wales is supported by funding from the Arts Council of Wales.

Building on the success in 2023, MiniPrint Cymru | Wales’ aim in 2025/26 was to further develop the initiative through partnership working, and to promote the accessibility of small-scale printmaking across Wales.

Despite Wales’ geographical barriers which often prevent engagement and collaboration, we are nurturing relationships with print studios and arts organisations, and connecting with hundreds of artists and printmakers across the country.

Led by Swansea Print Workshop in the South and the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art in the North, MiniPrint Cymru | Wales has been greatly supported in the West and East by Aberystwyth Printmakers and the Regional Print Centre in Wrexham, who plan to take the reins in 2027 to further develop this biennial opportunity. The strength of this collaborative partnership has given MiniPrint Cymru | Wales a voice; however, the artists and printmakers across Wales who responded to our call-out and submitted work have validated our aspirations to make this a sustainable and viable recurring event.

Using the maximum dimensions of 10cm x 10cm and printing onto paper measuring 18cm x 18cm, the format has enabled artists to create artwork in almost any setting. A small number of community workshops were scheduled in each region to encourage submissions from complete beginners and developing printmakers.This carried forward an ethos embedded in the original project to support participation in printmaking, to nurture Wales-based artists and give them opportunities to grow and refine their skills.

Indeed, the accessibility and versatility of the medium encouraged submissions from a diverse group of artists across Wales, emerging and professional printmakers alike. However, at the point of selection, all submissions were judged anonymously using the same criteria.

Our Selection Panel had the most challenging task of selecting 270 mini prints for display, and I am truly grateful for the time they took to consider the huge volume of submissions, their commitment to the process and their professionalism. The artwork selected is testament to the strength and breadth of creativity and talent in Wales.

– Sarah Hopkins, Project Director