Pencerdd: Our Welsh-language writer development opportunity to develop cynganeddwyr is now open 

Closing Date: 12.00pm midday, Monday 20 January 2025 

The aim of the Pencerdd programme is to give a boost to poets who are relatively new to the cynghaneddu trandition and nurture new voices and perspectives within the art of poetry in Wales.  

Pencerdd is a year-long free programme, providing an opportunity for five poets who are relatively new to the cynghanedd tradition to hone their craft. As part of the programme, the poets will attend a residential course at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre in April 2025 led by Mererid Hopwood and Ceri Wyn Jones, before being paired with an ‘athro barddol’ or mentor for a year of one-to-one sessions. The cohort will also receive a series of digital workshops over the year of the scheme, as well as writing rooms to meet poets and share their journey to cynganeddu and create a supportive network. 

Non Lewis, one of Pencerdd’s first round of Disgyblion, said: “This is an invaluable experience in the truest sense of the word; from the course at Tŷ Newydd, the online masterclasses and the mentoring sessions! There is no doubt that the experience has been a tremendous boost for me on the journey to master cynghanedd. Without a doubt, being mentored by one of the greats of today’s craft has been absolutely inspiring. It has been a year of hard work, but a year to treasure.” 

Any applicants have until 20 January 2025 to apply for a place on the scheme. It is open to any poet over the age of 18 who is relatively new to the art of poetry. You can learn more about the scheme on the Poetry page on the Welsh Literature website. 

Literature Wales is proud to partner with Barddas on this exciting scheme. 

In return for a place on the programme, Literature Wales will ask the poets to advocate for the cynghanedd within their own community at the end of the programme, be it a geographical town or village, or a virtual community of like-minded individuals. The poets are welcome to share their own ideas, or receive suggestions from Barddas and Literature Wales. Possible examples include running a workshop at a local young farmers club, hosting a stall at a Pride event, organising a Talwrn event, or publishing an article or blog to inspire other poets. 

All applicants have until 20 January 2025 to apply for a place on the scheme. The programme is open to any poets  over 18 years old who is relatively new to the craft of cynganeddu. You can learn more about the scheme on the Pencerdd page on the Literature Wales website. 

Leusa Llewelyn, Artistic Director of Literature Wales, said: “It’s a privilege to collaborate with Barddas again on a programme to promote cynganedd, and to find new and diverse voices to nurture within this unique poetic tradition. The path to mastering the craft of cynganeddu is a long and magical one, and we look forward to keep the group of five company as they embark on their journey.” 

Aneirin Karadog, Vice-chairman of the Barddas, said: “Pencerdd is a program that naturally fits within our poetic tradition where centuries of relationship between a master poet and a pupil have been nurtured to maintain the unique art of cynganeddu. 

“It is a privilege for us at Barddas to be able to work together with Literature Wales to give poets opportunities to receive individual and expert attention from masters of cynghanedd. While the work that ysgolion barddol (cynganeddu lessons held in communities across Wales) do throughout the year from term to term is invaluable in terms of maintaining and expanding the art of cynghanedd, the opportunity to work closely with poets who are fluent in their craft and have devoted themselves to the craft for decades is an opportunity that not everyone will be lucky enough to have. Take advantage as soon as possible of the open call to be one of the poets of the Pencerdd scheme as it will be a transformative experience!”