The National Poet of Wales represents and celebrates writing from Wales both at home and abroad. The project, which is run by Literature Wales, the national company for the development of literature, takes poetry to new audiences and encourages others to use their creative voice to inspire positive change. This will be the first time that the National Poet of Wales is appointed through a public call for nominations.
The National Poet of Wales project was established by Literature Wales in 2005. Its vision is a Wales where literature empowers, improves, and brightens lives. The role of the National Poet of Wales is a key part of this vision.
The current National Poet is Ifor ap Glyn. During his tenure, Ifor has been a cultural ambassador for Wales and its literature, and the role has taken him all around the world. His poetry has appeared on the public transportation network of Brussels and projected on the side of Big Ben. He has been commissioned to write poems and prose to mark several occasions over the past few years, including: 50 years since the Aberfan tragedy; the UNESCO Year of Indigenous Languages 2019; 20 years of devolution in Wales; not to mention many social appeals, notable birthdays, and the highlights of Welsh football.
“We are a country where words and lyricism go hand-in-hand and the role of National Poet of Wales is testament to the importance we place on language. Whether on the page or the stage, Ifor ap Glyn’s role has been to thrill and inspire us but also to respond to and reflect the world around us, helping us to make sense of it.” – First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford
Ifor’s tenure comes to an end in May 2022, when he will pass on the baton to the 5th National Poet of Wales.
Representing the diverse cultures and languages of Wales at home and abroad, the National Poet of Wales will be an ambassador for the people of Wales, advocating for the right to be creative and spread the message that literature belongs to everyone. In addition, they will give a poetic platform to some of the most important issues of our time, including the climate emergency, representation, and health and well-being.
Poets can nominate themselves; and individuals, organisations, groups, and charities can nominate their favourite poet. Each National Poet makes the role their own, and Literature Wales’ call for nominations puts emphasis on a person’s potential for the role, rather than experience. Of great importance is that the poet is committed to using their unique voice to engage and inspire people with poetry and the benefits of literature, and to share Wales and its literature with the world.
Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said: “Poet Laureates around the world play an important part in people’s lives and are often invited to read their work at significant national moments of both celebration and grief. At a time of increasing division and global insecurity, poetry connects us to each other and helps us make sense of the world.
Ifor ap Glyn has been an excellent National Poet of Wales, and we thank him profoundly for his work, and congratulate him on all his successes, and for fulfilling his ambitious vision.
As we embark on the next chapter for this wonderful project, we look forward to welcoming a new poet to the role who will help us realise our own vision of a Wales that empowers, improves, and brightens lives through literature.”
Nominations are to be submitted by filling in a form on the Literature Wales website (www.literaturewales.org), where further information about the process is available. Literature Wales is accepting nominations until 14 March 2022.