The Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting biennial was initially conceived by Pete Goodrich, who discussed the idea with John Fitzgerald from Glasbury Arts. John, who became the project's first chair, suggested Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery as a possible venue. Following a meeting with the museum's Curator and Manager Kelly Powell, the Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting biennial was soon to become reality.

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Tragically Pete died suddenly just before the first series of CoWCP exhibitions began on 1st June 2017.

 

The 61-year-old's company ArtWorks transported art throughout the UK and across the world, and Pete himself was described in the press as a "monumental" arts figure in Wales.

 

In a tribute, the family said: "Pete was a larger than life character, and not just his height of six foot six.

"He connected with so many people, he loved what he did and was a unique part of so many people's lives. He will be greatly missed."