John Cale, founding member of the Velvet Underground, will represent Wales next year at the Venice Biennale of Art in Italy.

Cale is working alongside artists and other cultural figures to create an audio-visual piece for the exhibition based on his relationship with the Welsh language.

The 66-year-old musician, who was born in Garnant, south Wales, said he was "surprised and honoured" to be asked to take part.

But “it was also a challenge that I eagerly accepted,” Cale added.

Cale, who found The Velvet Underground in 1963 alongside Lou Reed, will exhibit his work at the Ex-Birreria in the Spring.

(by Jason Gregory)