National Poet of Wales

Gwyneth Lewis, the first National Poet of Wales (2005–2006)

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 current holder of the position is Hanan Issa, who was appointed for a period of three years in July 2022.^[1]

Background

The National Poet of Wales 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, and is supported by the Arts Council of Wales’ Lottery fund.^[2]

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."^[3]

For this project Peter Finch, the Academi’s Chief Executive, had run a long campaign of fund and awareness raising.  He had involved all the major Welsh institutions with an interest in literature.  These included the Welsh Assembly, the National Eisteddfod, the Welsh Books Council, The Welsh Arts Council, the Professor of Poetry at the University of South Wales, the National Writers Centre at Ty Newydd, and those writers’ unions still operating. 

To date the role has been held by five writers.^[4] Initially the role was funded for a single-year tenure, with Gwyneth Lewis becoming the first National Poet in 2005.^[5] Gwyn Thomas would succeed Lewis in 2006, remaining as National Poet until 2008. Later the length of tenure expanded, with Gillian Clarke holding the role for 8 years between 2008 and 2016, and Ifor ap Glyn holding the role for 6 years between 2016 and 2022. The current holder is Hanan Issa, who was appointed for a period of three years in July 2022. In a change to the way the National Poet is appointed, the 2022 appointment process began with a public call for nominations before shortlisted poets were interviewed by a selection panel.^[6]

List of office holders

National Poet	Picture	Birth and Death	Dates of Tenure	Length of Tenure (Years)	Ref.
Gwyneth Lewis		1959–	2005–2006	1	[5]
Gwyn Thomas		1936–2016	2006–2008	2	[7]
Gillian Clarke		1937–	2008–2016	8
Ifor ap Glyn		1961–	2016–2022	6	[8]
Hanan Issa		1986/87–	2022–present	–	[1][9]

See also

• Poet Laureate
• Bardd Plant Cymru – Children's Welsh-language national poet
• Children's Laureate Wales – Wales children's national poet
• National poet

References

1. "Wales appoints Hanan Issa as its first Muslim national poet". the Guardian. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
2. "Literature Wales".
3. "Wales to get own 'poet laureate'". BBC News. 26 February 2005. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
4. Review, Wales Arts (7 July 2022). "Hanan Issa announced as National Poet of Wales". Wales Arts Review. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
5. "'Poet for ever' urges laureate". 30 May 2005. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
6. "Hanan Issa named National Poet of Wales". The Bookseller. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
7. "Thomas takes on mantle of Wales's national poet". the Guardian. 10 July 2006. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
8. Huw Thomas (1 March 2016). "Ifor ap Glyn is appointed new national poet of Wales". BBC News. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
9. "Hanan Issa". Literature Wales. Retrieved 12 July 2022.

External links

• National Poet of Wales page on the Academi website
• National Poet of Wales: Events 2008-09