Galeri in Caernarfon has appointed Mari Elen Jones as their new artistic director.

The arts venue says Mari will bring a wide range of experience to the role, through her work with the community theatre company Cwmni Tebot and as a podcaster ('Gwrachod Heddiw').

She'll begin her new role in the Autumn, having previously being a co-ordinator for Galeri's youth theatre project, Sbarc.

Mari said: "In this day and age, I feel it's important for people to come together to enjoy and escape, and for me, there's no better escape than the arts."

"My intention is to develop a programme that is going to offer something for everyone - exciting audiences, fostering a sense of community and ensuring that everyone's voices are represented through Galeri's creative offering."

"By opening its doors to everyone and collaborating with artists, companies and the local community, Galeri will boom, thrive and broaden its horizons."

Galeri says by curating its artistic programme, Mari's new role will shape Galeri's visitor experience as well as providing a 'catalyst' for the arts in and around Caernarfon, by working alongside key partners.

She added: "Galeri is an iconic building here in Arfon which has given me special experiences over the years and great memories of working with Sbarc, Cain and more."

"But it must be remembered that Galeri is more than a building - it has been a creative refuge for people just like me who yearn for connection; a real hub in the heart of Caernarfon that offers itself as the heart of the artistic community in north-west Wales."

"I'm really looking forward to navigating the creative side in the next chapter of Galeri."

Galeri, which marked its 20th anniversary this year, has seen ticket sales increase by over 30% during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Chief executive Nia Aaron said: "Dynamic, energetic and original - those are the values that will push Galeri into its next chapter as a company, and the exact values that Mari presented to us as part of the interview process."

"Galeri is an organisation that drives economic and social growth, and with Mari as part of the senior team, we are confident that we will be able to intertwine creative and cultural experiences into the prosperity of the local area."