IF YOU go down to Haverfordwest’s riverside during Whitsun week, expect an art attack!

May 25 sees the launch of a programme of arts events at The Lab Haverfordwest. The brainchild of creative consortium Confluence, The Lab will occupy the section of the ex-Ocky White building facing the Cleddau.

Confluence won £450,000 funding - £405,000 from Arts Council Wales and £45,000 from Pembrokeshire County Council - to implement a three-year, arts-led project to change people’s perceptions of Haverfordwest and bring the community together to inspire and shape the regeneration of the town.

Since then, the group has been beavering away behind the scenes, working out its Art Council contract, creating the project’s framework, finding a suitable ‘hub’ and working on commissions and a varied events programme.

“People can be a bit nervous about the arts,” said Confluence’s Guy Norman. “We’re trying to challenge people’s views and perceptions about the role art and artists can play in regeneration, and make this accessible for everyone. Haverfordwest doesn’t have to be just about shopping. It can be about well-being, people feeling positive about the town and wanting to engage with it.”

The group called their base The Lab to tap in to the idea of experimentation and ‘looking at Haverfordwest differently’, a line a group of students working with Confluence came up with.

“We hope The Lab will be a place where people will be more relaxed about trying new things; a place where different people can meet, talk and gain fresh perspectives,” said Confluence’s Chris Evans. “We want to create a sustainable process where everyone can be involved with regeneration, rather than commenting on things after they have happened.”

The Lab’s launch kicks off with ‘Fly the Flag’, where five flags inspired by the river, based on ideas from local primary children and made by A&E Adventures – whose designs are seen at famous festivals such as Glastonbury - will be unfurled. Other events include a drawing workshop for all ages, a talk and a construction workshop from locally-based, internationally renowned design studio FRESHWEST, Davies and Jones’ mysterious ‘Random Story Generator’ and a tour led by renowned urban designer Gordon Gibson.

For the full programme of events and more information visit www.thelabhaverfordwest.org or search Facebook.