Carmarthenshire County Council is pleased to announce that the Dylan Thomas Boat House has been awarded £39,643 through Art Fund’s Reimagine grants programme.

This prestigious grant will enable the Dylan Thomas Boat House to reimagine its approach to learning, community engagement and partnerships, ensuring that it continues to be a vibrant cultural hub for residents and visitors alike.

The project, a collaboration between CofGâr (Carmarthenshire County Council’s Museums & Arts Service), Kids in Museums and Carmarthenshire’s Education Service, specifically aims to develop programmes and services that increase participation among families, young people, and children.

This initiative aims to provide the Dylan Thomas Boat House, and other local partners involved in this project, with the necessary skills and experience to make a long-term impact, helping children and young people in Carmarthenshire achieve a strong start in life.

The Reimagine programme, launched by Art Fund in 2020, is designed to inspire creativity and increase stability and resilience in museums and galleries across the UK.

This latest round of funding, totalling £1 million, has been prioritised for museums and galleries reliant on local authority support, in response to significant challenges identified by Art Fund’s Museum Directors Survey 2024 and other research. Reimagine grants are funded by Art Fund and made possible with support from The Headley Trust, alongside other generous trusts and supporters of the Making Connections campaign.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism - Cllr Hazel Evans expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “We are delighted that the Dylan Thomas Boat House has been recognised with this grant from Art Fund.

“This funding will make it possible to form new audience connections through partnerships, promote creativity and experimentation, and develop ways to help more people appreciate Dylan Thomas’ work and draw inspiration from his extraordinary family home and Writing Shed in Laugharne.

“We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our cultural landscape.”

Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund, said: “We’re extremely pleased to offer £1million in support to local authority-reliant museums and galleries across the UK – from Carmarthenshire to County Fermanagh – through this latest round of Reimagine grants.

“The projects showcase the incredible value local museums have for communities and demonstrate their remarkable ambition, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit in the face of growing challenges.”

The Boat House was perfect for Dylan Thomas because it offered peace and inspiring views - but this was due to the challenge of accessing it for visitors.

To find the iconic Boathouse, there is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Laugharne or from the car park. Once there, you'll find the Boat House down 40 steps, with 10 more steps inside that will lead to the lovely tearoom.

There is currently no access for wheelchairs and no toilet for people with disabilities. However, Carmarthenshire Council are now looking for other creative ways to allow everyone to experience the site.

Dogs are welcome on leads in the tearoom only.

For more information on the Dylan Thomas Boat House, visit https://cofgar.wales