In Spring 2023 the Cyfarthfa Foundation, in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, submitted a proposal for a new National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales (NCAGW) to be established in Cyfarthfa. The Welsh Government invited proposals for the NCAGW anchor site from five local authority areas across Wales.
Following the announcement from Welsh Government that the decision has been taken not to proceed with the development of an anchor gallery for the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales at this point, Geraint Talfan Davies, Chair at the Cyfarthfa Foundation said;
“Although we are disappointed that the National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales anchor site will not proceed, we fully understand the immediate financial pressures that have led to the Welsh Government’s decision.
"Nevertheless, the Cyfarthfa Foundation will press on with our plans to rescue the Grade1 listed Cyfarthfa Castle at Merthyr Tydfil, which already houses a very substantial 20th century art collection. In time, we hope to expand that collection as more of the castle building is brought back into use.
"Even before the NCAGW concept was mooted we had planned to bring both the internationally important history of Merthyr Tydfil and an expanded art collection to the attention of the world. That remains our resolve.
"Next year, with the support of Merthyr Tydfil Council, art will still form a major part of the celebration of Cyfarthfa’s bicentenary year.”
The Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Councillor Geraint Thomas also commented:
“Whilst we are extremely disheartened that no decision was made by Welsh Government to proceed with identifying a location for a National Contemporary Art Gallery, it will not derail our plans. Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, is known as the ‘Jewel of the Crown’ in Merthyr Tydfil and we will continue to work closely with the Cyfarthfa Foundation and other partners to ensure its sustainability for the future.”