Projects
The Afanc: An Interactive Folklore Experiment
The Afanc: An Interactive Folklore Experiment
An experimental immersive art project exploring how a mythological creature from Cymru folklore can become a responsive, living presence shaped by audience interaction.
The Afanc is an experimental immersive art project exploring how Cymru (Welsh) folklore can be translated into a responsive digital experience. Rooted in my practice as a folklore illustrator and author, this project asks how a legendary water creature might exist not as a fixed image or text, but as something relational and alive.
Experiment
£20,000
The project explores whether myth can function as a shared, evolving event shaped by participation while remaining rooted in its original cultural context.
Aims of the project
Working with a small team of artists, animators and specialists, we are developing a prototype in which the Afanc (a dragon-like creature from Cymru folklore) reacts to collective audience sound.
Microphone arrays will translate, whispers, shouts, and even singing or chanting into behavioural shifts, altering the creature’s mood and movement in real time. Each encounter is shaped by the group’s presence.As a group we intend to research and test how illustration, animation, and responsive systems can combine to create culturally grounded immersive experiences.
Meet the artists
Rowynn Ellis
Lead Artist
they/he
Rowynn Ellis is a professional fantasy Illustrator and author from Bangor North Wales. Their work draws inspiration from Cymru folktales, the Mabinogi and Brythonic mythologies, working mainly with pen, ink, watercolour and digital media.
In the past they have worked as an illustrator for Wizards of the Coast, Astra Publishing, Harper Collins and Penguin Random House.
Currently Rowynn is working on a series of projects exploring and documenting legends from Cymru folklore. Their aim, to create resources and experiences that take you on a journey through the symbolism and history of Cymru’s most renowned stories, customs and mythical creatures.
Andy Noble
AV Advisor
Director of Piranha AV, award-winning work at Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Will advise on projection, lighting, sound, and interactive systems.
Anthony Roberts
Motion Graphics
Founder of Zed Motion with over a decade of immersive installation experience and award-winning work at Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Will oversee 2D animation, motion graphics and projection mapping.
Kurt Stevenson-Bills
Digital Lead
he/him
VR Content Producer and immersive digital development. Specialist in gameplay design, environment art, and interactive systems.
Matthew Henry
3D Animation & Architectural Visualisation
Founder of Precision Animation. Will oversee 3D animation and architectural visualisation.
Ren Manuel
Digital Sculptor
Advanced Character Artist at Supermassive Games. Transforming concept artwork into fully realised 3D creatures.
Sean Parry
Story, Design, Narration & Soundscapes
he/him
Internationally acclaimed tattoo artist and founder of Sacred Knot tattoo Studio in Llandudno. Specialist in Celtic and Nordic art. Sean is our folklore and culture consultant, musician and bilingual narrator.
Tony Edwards
Project Coordinator
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Llandudno Vaults liaison and logistics.
