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 acts as a cultural ambassador for the nation, creating works which promote the image of Wales; works are read at ceremonial and official occasions. The post alternates between poets who write in English, and poets who write mainly in Welsh.
Iestyn Davies, Head of Communications at the Arts Council of Wales, said: "As a country renowned for its 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."[2]
List of office holders
- Gwyneth Lewis 2005 to 2006
- Gwyn Thomas 2006 to 2008
- Gillian Clarke 2008 to 2016
- Ifor ap Glyn 2016–[3]
See also
References
- "Literature Wales".
- "Wales to get own 'poet laureate'". BBC News. 26 February 2005. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
- Huw Thomas (1 March 2016). "Ifor ap Glyn is appointed new national poet of Wales". BBC News. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
External links