Brains Brewery has unveiled the two Welsh artists who have been commissioned to design the beer pumps for its Six Nations ales.

This is the second tranche of Welsh artists who have been commissioned by Brains, thanks to a collaborative arts project with Arts & Business (A&B) Cymru.

In partnership with A&B Cymru, the Art of Brains commission was launched online and on social media channels, inviting Welsh artists to celebrate Welsh creativity through beer. The first commission of the project was for Brains’ two Christmas ales.

Cardiff-based James Barry won a commission for his Try SA pump design, which celebrates the camaraderie and passion of match day. This is the second commission for James as he also was successful in his design for Brains’ Sion Corn Beer pump clip.

Illustrator Dan John, who is also from Cardiff, won a commission for his pump clip design for the Tight Head Ale, a ruby beer, full-bodied malt brew.

James and Dan have both won a £500 commission fee for their successful designs.

James Barry said of his second Brains commission: “It’s an absolute honour to be involved in the Art of Brains. As a proud Cardiffian, it is especially exciting to contribute to this promotion, where possibly the most iconic Welsh brand overlaps with its most iconic cultural event. To have a pump in pubs during the Six Nations will be one of my lifetime achievements as an artist!”

Sara Leigh Webber, Head of Marketing, of Brains Brewery, said of the winners: “This is the second round of designs we have commissioned through this collaboration and the quality of work we are seeing every time is amazing. Dan and James’ designs have a clear narrative and are really eye-catching when placed on our pump clips, ready to pour a few pints to celebrate the six nations tournament in the coming weeks.”

Rachel Jones, CEO of A&B Cymru, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on the second stage of this exciting project in partnership with Brains Brewery. It is hugely rewarding to be offering such unique and high-profile opportunities to artists across Wales. Huge congratulations to James Barry and Dan John – I very much look forward to seeing the fantastic new designs in February.”