The Vault, on Main Street, officially opened last month and has been created as a space where artists can exhibit their work, run workshops, and connect with the local community.
The gallery is the sister venue to Westgate Creative Hub and was established after its founder, Mena Williams, said demand from the local artists outgrew the space available at Westgate.
“We’ve met hundreds of talented artists through Westgate, but we simply didn’t have enough space to support everyone,” she said.
Alongside showcasing artwork from Pembrokeshire and across Wales, The Vault aims to support neurodivergent artists by offering opportunities to exhibit their work, run supported workshops, develop confidence, and receive informal mentoring.
Mena, who has previously worked in education and social care, said her experience had shaped the gallery’s inclusive approach.
The Vault, on Main Street, officially opened last month (Image: The Vault/Facebook)
“I’ve seen that neurodiverse people often have an amazing ability to hyperfocus and create incredible work,” she said.
Mena said the idea had developed over several years after artists began approaching her for advice.
“I realised that I could help build their confidence,” she said.
“I’ll look through their work, offer advice, and offer opportunities to exhibit their work.
“Sometimes people just need encouragement and someone to believe in them.”
The gallery currently relies on volunteers, with several of the artists also helping to run the space.
The gallery is the sister venue to Westgate Creative Hub (Image: The Vault/Facebook)
Since opening, she said the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People are really pleased to see the building being used again, particularly to showcase the work of such talented local artists from Pembrokeshire and across Wales.”
The former bank building had stood empty for around five years before being renovated and transformed into the gallery.
The Vault plans to expand its programmes of workshops in the future, with ambitions to work alongside schools, home-educated groups, and community groups.