A long cultural history
Artists have been drawn to Bardsey for many years and the Trust has welcomed numerous artists in residence to the island, these range from writers to painters to mixed media.
Art, Language and Song; Enlli provides a space to create, develop, test, hold workshops and collaborate with other artists and creative practitioners.
The Trust has been welcoming artists in residence to the island since 1999; and as a charity we are passionate about providing this opportunity to individuals and groups to benefit from the island and hold workshops for the enjoyment of visitors.
Llofft Nant: A space for residencies and creative retreats on Enlli
There are two studios in Llofft Nant yard which are being developed to support arts residencies and enable a long-term residency base for a diversity of artists and creatives from across the country.
If you have an interest in staying on the island as an artist please contact us to receive information on residencies or retreats available.
"Weave and breath" - A week of basketmaking with Jo Porter
Dates: 29th August – 5th September 2026
Location: Ynys Enlli, North Wales
Come and spend a week with likeminded people on the magical island of Ynys Enlli exploring the ancient craft of basket weaving and enjoying locally sourced and seasonal home cooked vegetarian food by the ‘Little Cooking Pot.
Upcoming exhibitions
We regularly host exhibitions on Enlli, featuring works from visiting artists as well as our Artists in Residence. In addition, we’ve partnered with local galleries and museums to showcase a diverse range of artwork, further connecting Enlli’s creative spirit with the wider community.
05.06.25
Storiel Exhibition - Artists in Residence from 2024
Showcasing work generated through the 2024 residency and related workshops. Artist include: Cai Tomos, Gabriella Rhodes, Harrie Fuller, Claire Scott, Lilly Tiger, Sophie Goard, Siôn Emyr
19.06.25
Visions of Bardsey
Works by three generations of artists inspired by the landscape and life of Bardsey Island. Brenda Chamberlain, Amelia Shaw-Hastings, Jon Hastings.
Carreg Fawr, Bardsey island
Enlli as an inspiration for artists
Enlli has been a very inspiring place for artists of all kinds for many years, and it continues to be so until this day. Below are snapshots of photographers, artists and writers who have been inspired by Enlli.
Jo Porter
Jo lived and worked on Bardsey from 2007-2018 and enjoys using raw materials such as wool and willow from the island to make useful and beautiful pieces.
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Kim Atkinson
Wildlife artist Kim Atkinson lived on the island for the first seven years of her life and again for ten years in the 1980s and ‘90s.
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Brenda Chamberlain
The artist, writer and poet Brenda Chamberlain lived at Carreg from 1947 to 1962.
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Emyr Glyn Owen
Emyr has been living and working on Enlli for the last 5 years as Warden and Island Manager.
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Jo Porter
Willow and wool
Jo lived and worked on Bardsey from 2007-2018 and enjoys using raw materials such as wool and willow from the island to make useful and beautiful pieces. Jo makes wool rugs, willow baskets and numerous items from flets, these are available to buy from their shop on the island or through her website.
Kim Atkinson
Artist
Wildlife artist Kim Atkinson lived on the island for the first seven years of her life and again for ten years in the 1980s and ‘90s. Her work has been exhibited all over Wales and England and her artistic reputation has brought her invitations to work in many parts of the world, including Australia and Poland. Many of the goods produced for the Bardsey shop bear the unmistakable images created by Kim.
Brenda Chamberlain
Poet, writer and painter
The artist, writer and poet Brenda Chamberlain lived at Carreg from 1947 to 1962. It was an especially productive period in her life. During this period, she twice won the Gold Medal for Art at the National Eisteddfod. Some of the murals she painted can still be seen on the walls of Carreg, and several of her paintings and drawings are inspired by the island, as is her volume Tide Race, Tide Race: 1962, now in its fifth printing – Seren Books, March 2019.
Emyr Glyn Owen
Painter
Emyr has been living and working on Enlli for the last 5 years as Warden and Island Manager. Emyr takes inspiration from Enlli and captures the wild nature of the island in his dramatic paintings.
Where next?
