Wales’ laureates – the lowdown

The Children’s Laureate Wales scheme was launched in 2019 and it’s run by Literature Wales. Eloise Williams was the inaugural Children’s Laureate Wales, followed by Connor Allen.

The Bardd Plant Cymru scheme was established in 2000 and is led by Literature Wales with the support of the Welsh Government, S4C, the Welsh Books Council and Urdd Gobaith Cymru. Nia Morais will be the 18th poet in the role.

Established in 2005, the first National

Poet of Wales was Gwyneth

Lewis who was followed by

Gwyn Thomas in 2006.

Gillian Clarke held the position from 2008 to 2016, with Ifor ap Glyn in the role until 2022.

The Children’s Laureate Wales and Bardd Plant Cymru aim to inspire and empower children and young people across Wales through literature.

The National Poet of Wales takes poetry to new audiences and encourages others to use their creative voice to inspire positive change.

“Laureateship is awarded to talented and visionary Wales-based writers who are passionate about the power of poetry,” says Claire Furlong, executive director of Literature Wales. “All three poets were appointed for these roles following an open call out for applications.

“Literature Wales’ vision is a Wales where literature empowers, improves and brightens lives,” she adds. “Our three laureates are key in fulfilling this vision. They act as ambassadors for Wales’ literature, its cultures and languages.

“Around the world, poet laureates are 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. It teaches us how to imagine and respect the experiences of others and it can help us to express our fears and communicate complex ideas in a way that’s plain and relatable to our everyday lives.

“In Wales, as with many countries around the world, poetry features in our daily civic life. Our passion for poetry is proudly sung in our national anthem – ‘Gwlad beirdd a chantorion’.”

More information can be found at www.literaturewales.org