AN EXHIBITION of artwork created by young people from the Vale was launched in Barry Library last weekend.

The Mayor of Barry, Ian Johnson launched the Fairtrade Art Exhibition on Saturday, September 25, which will be at Barry Library until Friday, September 29.

During Fairtrade fortnight earlier this year, pupils from schools across the Vale took part in an artwork competition, with winners displayed in Dinas Powys, Llantwit Major and Barry Library.

Mayor of Barry, Cllr Ian Johnson, who is also chairman of the Council’s Globally Responsible Barry Committee, said: “Barry has been a Fairtrade town since 2017, working with local traders across town to promote Fairtrade goods that are stocked in shops around Barry, which includes coffee, chocolate, and bananas, amongst other products. 

Barry And District News: Mayor of Barry, Cllr Ian Johnson (C), with members of Barry Town Council’s Global Responsibility Committee at the launch of the Young Person’s Fairtrade Art Exhibition in Barry Library. Picture: Barry Town CouncilMayor of Barry, Cllr Ian Johnson (C), with members of Barry Town Council’s Global Responsibility Committee at the launch of the Young Person’s Fairtrade Art Exhibition in Barry Library. Picture: Barry Town Council (Image: Barry Town Council)Mayor of Barry, Cllr Ian Johnson, with members of Barry Town Council’s Global Responsibility Committee at the launch of the Young Person’s Fairtrade Art Exhibition in Barry Library.. Picture: Barry Town Council

“It was lovely to bring the Fairtrade Art Exhibition to Barry, as part of our commitment to a Globally Responsible Wales.”

Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity to highlight how we can support farmers and workers across the world to produce food in an ethical and sustainable way and be paid properly for their work. It is part of a commitment to a Globally Responsible Wales. 

Barry schools had successful entrants, including primary school children from Ysgol Gwaun y Nant who wrote a Welsh poem about Fairtrade.

The poem powerfully expressed the aims and necessity of Fairtrade. Additionally, pupils from Ysgol Bro Morgannwg's primary school years created impressive artwork with the exhibition on display at Barry Library.

He added: “The exhibition includes work by children from Barry, Dinas Powys, Penarth and Llantwit Major as part of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight.

“Wales is currently celebrating 15 years of being a Fairtrade Nation and it is good to see schools and young people taking part and discussing issues about international fairness and inequality, and the impact of climate change.”