National Poet of Wales
The post of National Poet of Wales (Welsh: Bardd Cenedlaethol Cymru) was established in May 2005 by Academi – the Welsh National Literature Promotion Agency and Society for Writers. The post is supported by the Arts Council of Wales’ Lottery fund.[1]
The poet will act as a cultural ambassador for the nation, creating works which promote the image of Wales. The appointed poet would hold the role for one year and their works would be read at ceremonial and official occasions. The language will alternate between Welsh and English.
Iestyn Davies, Head of Communications at the Arts Council of Wales, said: "As a country renowned for it literary heritage it is fitting that Wales should have its own national poet, creating new works that celebrate our successes, comment on our failures and raise the profile of Wales through literature."
List of office holders
- Gwyneth Lewis 2005 to 2006
- Gwyn Thomas 2006 to 2008
- Gillian Clarke 2008 -
See also
References
External links
- National Poet of Wales page on the Academi website
- National Poet of Wales: Events 2008-09
- Wales to get own 'poet laureate', BBC NEWS February 26, 2005