Nancy Akuffobea Unveils Uplifting City Centre Mural Inspired by a Journey of Colour, Culture and Resilience

15 May 2025

A vibrant new mural by UWTSD Swansea College of Art BA Illustration student Nancy Akuffobea has been unveiled in the heart of the city centre outside the University’s Dynevor Building, bringing bold colour and cultural richness to public space and marking a major milestone in a deeply personal and powerful creative journey.

A smiling student standing outside a building which displays her colourful banner image.

Nancy, founder of Nancy’s Gallery, was born in Ghana and raised between West Africa, Sicily, and South Wales. Her mural, selected as the official UWTSD 2025/2026 mural, celebrates not only her diverse heritage but also the resilience and creativity that have shaped her path as an illustrator and storyteller.

“I never thought I would get to this point,” says Nancy. “This mural means everything to me. It’s proof that hard work, staying true to yourself, and never giving up, even in the darkest moments, can take you further than you imagined.”

In 2019, Nancy moved to Wales, a transition that proved to be both overwhelming and life-shaping. Arriving in the Valleys with limited English, she found herself immersed in a completely new environment. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture, Nancy embraced the opportunity to grow. “At first, I couldn’t understand much, it felt like everyone was speaking too fast. But the kindness of people, the beauty of nature, and the peacefulness of the Valleys helped me stay positive,” she reflects. It was during this time that she truly began to appreciate mindfulness, the small details of daily life, and the value of creativity as a form of expression and self-discovery.

What drew Nancy to the ��Ҵ�ý was its reputation for nurturing creativity and offering strong industry connections. After researching universities and completing her college studies in Art & Design, UWTSD Swansea College of Art stood out.

“It felt like the right place to grow as an artist and as a person,” she says. “The tutors were so passionate, and I knew I’d be supported to develop my own voice.” Through practical projects, collaborative learning, and a culture of encouragement, Nancy’s distinctive illustrative style - marked by vivid colour, bold compositions, and storytelling through visuals began to flourish.

One key project that pushed her professionally was her collaboration with Oasis, a charity based in Cardiff that assists asylum seekers and refugees. As part of her third-year graduate portfolio, Nancy was commissioned to create a logo for a band created by members of this community. The project not only allowed her to combine her love of Afrobeat music with design, but it also taught her how to work with real clients, navigate communication barriers, and refine her skills in research and branding.

“It was a challenge, but one that made me grow,” she says. “I wanted the logo to reflect the soul of the band and the culture it celebrates.”

Nancy’s time at UWTSD has been filled with creative milestones, from her work exhibited at London’s Piccadilly Circus for Holocaust Memorial Day, to being invited to the Coronation Tea Party where she met the Duke of Gloucester. Her participation in the Glynn Vivian Swansea Open 2024 and the release of her children’s picture books, “The Journey of Russell and Aurora” and “Journey of Colour” further show her commitment to storytelling, identity, and visual empathy.

The newly unveiled mural, rich in colour and symbolism, represents all of this: a journey from Ghana to Sicily to Wales, told through vibrant palettes and textured brushstrokes. It is more than art - it is a celebration of heritage, resilience, and creative triumph.

Looking ahead, Nancy is focused on expanding her online shop, licensing her artwork, and collaborating with creative professionals. “I want to keep growing, keep learning, and keep sharing joy through art,” she says. “If my work can brighten someone’s day, then I’ve done my job.”