Following a very successful pilot project in 2024, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is calling for diverse communities across Wales to take part in a special showcase for its 2025 festival. The Community Rhythms and Roots project, supported by Arts Council Wales, aims to explore the multicultural and multilingual nature of modern Wales and unlock the creative potential of communities living in Wales.
The project reflects the Llangollen International Eisteddfod’s rich heritage and is aligned to the organisation’s ambition of using the arts and culture to bring different communities together in a spirit of peace and friendship. Organisers are looking for diverse groups and communities based in Wales who wish to share their stories with Wales and the World, using music, dance and literature. The 6 successful applicants will showcase their performances at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 2025. Each group will be supported along their journey by professional artists who will provide each group with bespoke dance, music and literature training.
Working with external partners such as the National Dance Company of Wales, Literature Across Frontiers, other professional partners and freelance artists, all six groups will have access to expert support with their storytelling skills and ambitions and some financial assistance to help them showcase their productions at Llangollen in July 2025.
Project Director Garffild Lloyd Lewis said, “In 2024, our pilot project gave 3 groups from the Newport Chinese Community, the Cardiff Sudanese Community and a youth group from Wrexham the opportunity to perform at one of Wales’ most prestigious festivals. This year, we have really stepped things up and we can’t wait to work with 6 groups from across multi-cultural Wales. Every community has an amazing story to tell and we are delighted to be giving them the opportunity on one of the biggest stages in Wales.
“The project leaders will provide all the support and assistance that groups need – all we need is a creative idea from your group that will represent a multicultural, multilingual and diverse community in Wales. All we want is a commitment to a timetable that will involve rehearsals from January 2025 onwards, a community performance in early summer and a showcase event staged at the Llangollen Eisteddfod on Wednesday the 9th of July, 2025.”
Groups interested in this wonderful opportunity to represent their communities on a world stage, who are willing to experiment with different art forms, who want to perform in their own language and want to tell their unique story – and be supported and inspired by experts along the way can find out more at:
