The woven waterfall - one of a host of community schemes

Community Arts Rhayader and District (Carad) is keen to dispel the notion that mid Wales is a cultural backwater.

Carad, which has been setting up community projects since 1994, houses a recording studio, theatre facilities and conference venue at its East Street base.

It has even launched a record label, and its first signing - a band called The Skintrade - is currently touring and performing around Wales.

Peter Cox has been at the heart of the project since its start.

"Carad came into being after 250 local people put on a community play nine years ago," he said.

"People wanted a community arts group to continue in this area."

"We wanted to fight against the prejudice that Rhayader isn't just a very good chip shop and toilet stop," he added

It took another three years of fund-raising and grant application work before Carad officially got off the ground.

One of the major projects set up the group has been a local heritage scheme.

Locals get to grips with another project

"We found that local history is an excellent way to attract people into art activity," said Mr Cox.

"Their involvement meant they had to scan photos and set up exhibitions which increased their knowledge of artistic techniques."

The on-going heritage scheme has been developed this year with school and village groups learning weaving skills to make a woven waterfall.

Another development involves making a tile mural, which will include the depiction of myths and local legends.

"We try and enable people in the community to get involved in arts and heritage," said project co-ordinator, Liz Pugh.

"These projects have also proved to be therapeutic for people living otherwise stressful lives," she added.

Studio sessions

Rhyader's central location means that Carad's base is also proving popular as a meeting place for county and national organisations.

One of Carad's most vibrant recent innovations is its recording studio, which is used by many bands from mid-Wales and Shropshire.

"We also give 10-hour taster sessions in the studio so teenagers can take their first steps towards creating their own CD," said Mr Cox.

Although primarily focused on locals, Carad is also trying to attract people from further afield to its events.

American singer-songwriter Rod Picott will perform there in early May, and will give a master class to the 40 guitar students at the centre.