Perthyn 'Belonging'
With the National Eisteddfod 2024 in Pontypridd, Project Perthyn (meaning to belong), engaged underrepresented young people in a participatory programme of activities encouraging cultural awareness and solidarities between Welsh speakers, learners, and supporters of the language.
A diverse group of university students were invited to explore the radical roots of the Eisteddfod alongside the Arts Council of Wales. The students reached out and connected with young people from the Cardiff Capital Region to present an inspiring story about the history and culture of Eisteddfod.
The project connected with artists and cultural producers who co-developed an action research framework, mentored the students, and ran peer-to-peer reflection sessions. A cultural producer also worked with the students to generate a podcast and video on the project. Watch the video.
The project team hosted seminars and a public panel discussion on ‘What is the Eisteddfod?’ chaired by Aneirin Karadog, former winner of the Eisteddfod chair. Over 30 university staff, students and adult learners attended. Most of the attendees had never been to the Eisteddfod. Several participants reported that attending the discussion panel had changed their minds about visiting the Eisteddfod rather than assuming ‘it’s not for me’.
Students and the young people (aged 18-25) from the Youth Forum at Grange Pavilion in Grangetown were invited to attend a facilitated visit to the Eisteddfod. Eleven underrepresented young people attended - all from ethnically minoritised background and from low socio-economic areas. The young people had either never visited or were not regular visitors to the Eisteddfod. Following the visit, the young people said they would attend the Eisteddfod in the future and wished they had been able to spend more time there.
The findings of this project will help change the narrative regarding Welsh language and culture within and outside the University.
The podcast series produced in this project will be used as an induction for new university students and as an educational resource on Welsh language and culture for current students, staff and members of the public.
Project findings have been shared with the Eisteddfod to inform their new inclusion strategy which aims to make future festivals more inclusive for individuals from all backgrounds.
