Vote now to choose the new UNISON Cymru poster/ Pleidleisiwch nawr i ddewis poster newydd UNISON Cymru

Sgroliwch i lawr i ddarllen yn y Gymraeg

 

Beth’s edited supporting statement (provided by the artist in English).

It is a papercut design created with coloured paper. The silhouetted figures show some of the jobs carried out by your members, and represent the diversity of the people who carry out this work. I included bilingual phrases which I felt were important, for example ‘solidarity’ and ‘community.’ I liked the phrase ‘A beacon for equality’, which gave me the idea of the Davy lamp. I thought this was a nice link to the prominent union history in Wales, and combined with the yellow braiding to the sides, this is a reference to the trade union banners which have been proudly held aloft throughout Wales’ history.  The purple, green and white are, of course, the colours of women’s suffrage, and UNISON Cymru’s colours, so seemed the appropriate choice.

I am a part-time art teacher in a primary school and I love having the opportunity to enthuse young minds about the expressive arts. I am also a freelance visual artist working mainly through the medium of papercutting. Much of my work centres around Welsh culture, and specifically Newport culture. Our tradition of protest and rebellion, and of standing up for what is right is very close to my heart.

 

 

Yasmin’s edited supporting statement (provided by the artist in English).

The core of the poster is the daffodil-turned-megaphone in the centre. Megaphones are a ubiquitous symbol of protest, and represent how UNISON amplifies the voices of its members. For me, daffodils are a perfect symbol of: Wales, home, spring, and hopeful, new beginnings – which I thought was fitting for a poster commemorating a name change and a new chapter in UNISON Cymru’s history. As well as ‘UNISON Cymru’, I chose the slogan ‘speak as one’. The meaning of the word ‘unison’ is to speak as one, and the purpose of trade unions is to create a community that speaks with one voice. 

I’m Yasmin Warrey, I am a Welsh illustrator, born and raised in South Wales and now a full-time student based in Bristol. I have always been politically conscious and inspired by stories of solidarity and community. One story in particular has always stuck with me: the solidarity between striking miners of Dulais and the queer community (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) during the Miner’s strike in 1984-85. This idea of marginalised and less powerful groups in society standing by each other obviously hits home, and I’m glad that UNISON refuses to be divided by hate and instead stands with its members of all kinds.  

 

 

Emma’s edited supporting statement (provided by the artist in English).

My design for the UNISON Cymru poster celebrates unity, resilience, and Welsh identity. The red dragon rises proudly from the rolling green valleys, symbolising strength and solidarity, while the daffodil and leek represent Welsh heritage and renewal. The mining wheel and terraced houses acknowledge the working-class roots and collective spirit that built our communities. The sunrise over the hills reflects optimism and progress, the promise that together, we rise.

The bold lines and stained-glass-inspired colours reflect the warmth and strength of our people, while the banner reading “Together We Rise” captures the spirit of UNISON Cymru’s collective power and hope for the future.

I am a Senior Mental Health Worker, party time masters student and artist from Cwmfelinfach, deeply rooted in Welsh community life and passionate about creativity as a way to connect people. As a single parent raising three boys while studying and working within the council, I experienced first-hand the difference UNISON makes to families. UNISON’s help during those years taught me that true strength lies in solidarity and compassion.