The Senedd is hosting a timely new exhibition, Pwytho Llais (Stitching a Voice), by Welsh textile artist Bethan M. Hughes, at the Pierhead Futures Gallery in Cardiff Bay from 21 March to 1 July 2026.
With just 47 days to go until a historic election on 7 May, this exhibition brings together themes of democracy, identity, community and creative expression and invites audiences to reflect on how a simple mark can tell complex stories about who we are — and how we shape our shared future.
Rooted in the rich heritage of traditional Welsh quilt design, Bethan’s work uses dense stitching, a bold limited colour palette and large-scale installation pieces to explore the power and fragility of democracy today.
The Llywydd of the Senedd, Elin Jones MS, said: “The Senedd is proud to host this timely and thought-provoking exhibition. The exploration of identity, expression and community feels especially resonant as we approach the Senedd election in May 2026.”
Exploring the ‘X’ that shapes our future
A central motif of the exhibition is the symbolic ‘X’ mark — used to vote, to express positivity or negativity, or even to symbolise a kiss. Many quilts in the collection use this small but potent symbol to explore democratic participation and personal expression.
The exhibition, first shown at Ruthin Craft Centre encourages people to consider campaigning, petitioning, suffrage, and the right to vote.
Bethan is creating a new piece for the Pierhead exhibition, ‘Ehangu (Expand)’, inspired by the changes ahead of the 2026 election, to represent the new electoral structure and the people who will shape Wales’ next chapter.
Bethan M. Hughes said: “I am delighted to be showing this work at the Senedd, especially at this particular time.
“I hope it will encourage visitors to think about the privilege of having a vote, a voice, and of participating in the democratic process, and how each individual voice can contribute to the future of our nation.
“I particularly hope that it inspires young people, some of whom will be voting for the first time.
The 2026 Senedd Election
On 7 May 2026, voters will head to the polls to vote in the seventh Senedd election since devolution in 1999.
The 2026 election is introducing some major changes to Wales’s democratic system:
- 96 Members: from the election in May 2026, the Senedd will have 96 Members instead of 60.
- New voting system: Everyone 16+ will now have one vote, choosing a political party or independent candidate.
- New constituencies: Wales will have 16 constituencies. Each constituency will elect six Members.
- New rules: Anyone standing for election must live in Wales.
These reforms strengthen scrutiny, improve representation and amplify communities’ voices in national decision making.
Read more about the exhibition
Find out what else you can see at the Senedd
Photos: Dewi Tannatt Lloyd
