Creative Cymru: 11 inspiring Welsh creative businesses to know

Wales is a nation with a rich artistic heritage, vibrant culture and has long been a beacon of artistic expression. From music to acting to skilled artisans to media creators, Welsh creative talent is shining brightly on the global stage.

The creative industries in Wales have experienced remarkable growth in recent years, boasting over 3,500 businesses that employ more than 35,000 people. Productions backed by Creative Wales have generated £313 million to the economy from £26.5 million in funding.

To celebrate International Creativity Month, we’ve put together a list of some of Wales’ most exciting creative businesses who are putting Wales’ on the map and inspiring audiences worldwide…

Elysium Art Gallery

Elysium Art Gallery, located in Swansea and established in 2007, is Wales’ largest artist-led creative incubator, dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative community. By revitalising the historic JT Morgan department store, they are creating a dynamic hub with 60 creative studios and incubator spaces, offering a vibrant platform for artistic expression. With a secure 30-year lease ensuring stability, Elysium is set to nurture creativity and inspire a thriving artistic community in Swansea for generations to come.

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Fflach Records 

Located in Cardigan, Fflach Records has been at the forefront of Welsh music since its founding in 1981 by brothers Richard and Wyn Jones. Initially established as a record label promoting rock, pop, and ska groups, Fflach expanded in the mid-1980s by adding an 8-track studio, enabling the recording of a wider variety of artists and genres, including choral, folk, and country music.

Through its dedication to nurturing Welsh language music and supporting artistic expression, Fflach remains a cornerstone of Wales' cultural heritage.

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Bad Wolf

Founded in 2015, Bad Wolf has become one of the UK's most influential independent production companies. Based in Cardiff, the company has produced over 70 hours of high-quality television for major networks, including HBO, BBC, AMC, and Sky. In 10 years, Bad Wolf has delivered 10 large-scale productions and earned 212 award nominations, securing 54 wins.

Bad Wolf’s productions, including ‘His Dark Materials’ (HBO/BBC) and ‘A Discovery of Witches’ (Sky/AMC) have achieved global recognition and garnered critical acclaim, including BAFTA, Emmy, and Golden Globe awards.

Julia Brooker Paintings

Based in Cardiff, Julia Brooker is a contemporary artist renowned for her large-scale, elegant paintings crafted for corporate offices, luxury homes, and public spaces. Working exclusively on aluminium, Julia harnesses the metal’s reflective qualities to create luminous works where light interacts with layers of transparent colour.

Julia’s work has been exhibited internationally in cities including London, New York, Moscow, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. 

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Theatr Cymru

Theatr Cymru, the Welsh-language national theatre in Carmarthen, has been a cornerstone of creativity and cultural preservation for over 20 years. Blending traditional and experimental works, it captivates audiences while celebrating Welsh language and culture. With a mission to inspire and celebrate Welsh language and culture, Theatr Cymru remains a vital force in the arts, uniting audiences through innovative storytelling and creative engagement.

As an acclaimed touring theatre, Theatr Cymru has received the 2024 UK Theatre Award for Excellence in Touring and a nomination for Producer of the Year at The Stage Awards.

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Rockfield Studios

As a hidden gem nestled in the Welsh countryside of Monmouth, Rockfield Studios has a rich history in the music world. Established in 1961, it made history in 1965 by becoming the world’s first residential recording studio. Brothers Kingsley and Charles Ward transformed the rural surroundings into a creative haven where bands could stay and record, offering a unique atmosphere that has drawn some of the biggest names in music.

Over the years, Rockfield has become synonymous with success. In 1996–97 alone, sessions at the studio resulted in five UK number-one albums, with contributions from bands like Oasis and The Charlatans. Its legacy continued with iconic acts such as Rush, Iggy Pop, Coldplay, and Queen, who recorded Bohemian Rhapsody there in 1975.

The studio’s recent clients include renowned artists like Manic Street Preachers and The Proclaimers.

AfroSheep

AfroSheep Animations, based in Ebbw Vale, is an independent studio specialising in stop-motion, 2D animation, illustration, and photography. Founded in 2017 by Lauren and Jacob, they create unique content for education, entertainment, and commercial use.

Known for their quirky, imaginative style, AfroSheep has worked with brands like Boka Bar and Pure Maple, as well as producing animated music videos for ambient fusion artist Bob Holroyd.

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Wales Interactive

Based in Penarth, Wales Interactive is an award-winning indie video game developer and publisher that has made a significant global impact. With a growing portfolio of titles including Maid of Sker, Ten Dates, The Bunker and more, the company has entertained millions worldwide while putting Wales firmly on the video game map.

Since its founding in 2012, the company has received over 200 award nominations, winning prestigious awards such as BAFTA Cymru Games Awards (2012, 2018, and 2019) and TIGA Awards (2020).

First of March

Born from a love of design-led arts and crafts, First Of March was founded by Ruth Davies in Swansea, in 2019, with a vision to create a digital gallery that connects a unique community of Welsh makers with the world. First Of March is a bespoke online destination that curates exquisite collections and one-of-a-kind pieces. The platform highlights the storytelling power of Welsh craftsmanship, bringing together Makers whose work captures the essence of tradition and innovation.

Ruth is on a mission to showcase Welsh talent on a global stage. She’s working to bring a selection of Wales’ finest Makers to a prestigious art show in London, offering them an opportunity to showcase their incredible work to an international audience. 

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Welsh National Theatre

Following the closure of National Theatre Wales after funding cuts from Arts Council Wales, Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has announced the creation of a new Welsh National Theatre to preserve Wales' theatrical heritage. His vision for the Welsh National Theatre is to create work that resonates deeply with Welsh audiences and also takes Wales’ cultural stories to the world. Sheen aims to produce ambitious, Welsh-centered productions, prioritising local stories, actors, and theatre-makers to celebrate and elevate Wales’ cultural identity. The first production is set for autumn 2026 and starring Sheen.

Orchard

Based in Cardiff, Orchard is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary marketing agency delivering strategic, creative, and impactful solutions. Known for its innovative approach, Orchard combines expertise across digital innovation, content creation, and communications to help brands connect with their audiences.

For Wales’ historic FIFA World Cup appearance, Orchard led a global campaign to introduce the nation to a new audience by challenging perceptions, engaging the diaspora, and inspiring people. The campaign showcased Wales as a vibrant, open, and progressive nation, positioning it as a top business and tourism destination. Through hero films, quirky music videos, and a Times Square event featuring Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Orchard captivated a global audience.