Bursaries are Opening Doors for Young People Throughout Wales

Every year, young people across Wales discover their spark - a love of music, theatre, or dance that feels bigger than anything they’ve known. But for many, their spark is extinguished before it has a chance to grow. 

Travel costs. Course fees. Uniforms. Time away from home.

Barriers that seem small on paper can be impossible in reality. And too often, brilliant young artists are left standing on the outside, watching opportunities pass them by. 

At National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) we believe talent should be nurtured - not limited by circumstance. 

And that’s where our bursary scheme changes everything. 

Why Bursaries Matter 

The bursary scheme is far more than financial support. 

It is a message to young people: 

“You belong here. Your creativity matters. Your future is worth investing in.” 

It ensures that a young person’s background never decides their artistic future - only their passion does. 

The arts aren’t a luxury, for many young people, they are a lifeline. A source of confidence. A place to belong. When a bursary opens a door, it opens a world. 

Photo: Kirsten McTernan (2025)

The Difference a Single Opportunity Makes 

Joining a NYAW ensemble is often a turning point. 

Young people train with inspiring tutors, perform on professional stages, build lifelong friendships, and discover their own resilience and self-belief. They return to their communities with new confidence, new skills, and a renewed sense of what is possible for them. 

And it all begins with someone helping them step through the door. 

Creating a Fairer, Brighter Future for Wales 

When young people thrive creatively, Wales thrives. We see stronger communities. More diverse voices in our cultural spaces. 

A creative sector that reflects all of Wales - not just those who can afford to access it. 

The bursary scheme is an investment in the future of Welsh creativity, one young person at a time. 

The Impact This Year 

Thanks to the generosity and commitment of supporters, partners, and funders: 

• 61% of our members - that’s 166 out of 272 young people - received bursary support. 

• 95 young people received a full bursary, making their participation possible. 

• A total of £81,627 in financial support was awarded - a significant increase from last year’s £73,496, reflecting rising need and rising support.  

Behind each of these numbers is a young person who got to say yes - to their talent, to their potential, and to their future. 

How People Can Help

NYAW will always work to remove the barriers young people face - but we cannot do it alone. 

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps a young person in Wales take a step they may have believed was impossible. It helps ensure that cost never stands in the way of talent. And most importantly, it shows a young person that their creativity is valued. 

If you’re willing to support our bursary scheme, you’ll be helping open the door for the next generation of Welsh artists. 

Together, we can keep those doors open. 

Together, we can help talent shine. 

National Youth Theatre of Wales Offers Free Audition Taster supported by Wales Millennium Centre

Calling all young performers in South Wales looking to take their first step into becoming a member of the National Youth Theatre of Wales!  

National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) have announced a free Audition Taster Workshop - on Sunday 15 February, 1–3pm, at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff - giving young performers the chance to get audition-ready.  

The session invites 16–22 year olds interested in performing to “Give it a Go!” through a friendly, practical workshop that introduces the essentials of auditioning. Those taking part will work on voice and movement, gain confidence-building techniques, and receive expert tips on choosing and delivering audition speeches and monologues. 

Those booked on will also meet recent NYTW members, offering first-hand insight into the ensemble and its audition process. 

Auditions to join the NYTW as a member in its 50th year will be happening across Wales in March and April – with auditions tour dates for booking to be launched on 14 January 2026. If you love performing and want to take the next step of auditioning for the ensemble, NYTW are encouraging young people to try something new.

The event is free to attend, and no prior audition experience is required. Spaces are limited and organisers encourage booking early. 

This event is kindly supported by Wales Millenium Centre. 

Your Stage Awaits: National Youth Dance Wale2026 Auditions Now Open!

Wales’ most dynamic youth dance opportunity returns - bigger, bolder, and more ambitious than ever. 

National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) is calling on young dancers from every corner of Wales to step into the spotlight as auditions for the 2026 company officially open. This is the chance for dancers to train, create and perform together. 

Twenty Tales (2023)

NYDW 2026 promises an extraordinary journey, offering young dancers a taste of life as a professional artist. Company members will: 

• Train intensively with renowned practitioners and leading dance tutors 

• Push their physical and creative limits 

• Refine their individual artistic voices 

• Receive dedicated well-being support to strengthen physical and mental resilience. 

This holistic approach ensures every dancer thrives - in the studio and on stage. 

For 2026, NYDW is raising the creative bar even higher. Dancers will collaborate closely with a guest choreographer and an exceptional creative team, including costume designers, lighting designers, and film makers. Together they will bring to life an electrifying new piece premiered live in Wales and an original dance-on-film shot on location in some of Wales’ most breathtaking landscapes, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and iconic heritage sites. 

Joining NYDW means becoming part of Wales’ official national youth dance company - a vibrant, supportive community of talented young artists united by passion and ambition. Through high-level technical training and imaginative creative exploration, dancers will develop the skills needed for careers across the dance sector celebrating the power, potential, and diversity of Wales’ next generation of dancers. 

Key Dates 

• Auditions Launch: Wednesday 3 December 2025 – Now open! 

• Application Deadline: Wednesday 11 February 2026 

• Results Announced: Tuesday 31 March 2026 

Who Can Apply 

NYDW is seeking young dancers aged 16–22 (aged 16–22 on 31 August 2026) who: 

• Live or study full-time in Wales or were born in Wales 

• Regularly train in dance through their school/college, private dance school, or local youth dance company 

• Are working at intermediate level or above. 

You may audition at age 15, provided you will be 16 by 31 August 2026. 
 
 
Your Stage Awaits! 

This is your moment. Your community. Your stage. 

To be part of NYDW 2026 and help shape a bold new future for Welsh dance, apply now. 

For more information, visit: nyaw.org.uk/nydw-2026

Harlequin Print Group announces support for National Youth Arts Wales

National Youth Arts Wales is proud to announce Harlequin Print Group as a dynamic new sponsor and ally. 

Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “Harlequin Print Group share our vision of a Wales in which all young people can flourish through creative and collaborative activities. They are helping us promote opportunities to more young people, and to celebrate the famous national youth ensembles of Wales. The large-format prints they produced for our 25 years of National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) exhibition in Newport were jaw-droppingly beautiful! We are currently working with them to develop a celebratory 25 Years of NYDW book for publication in the Spring.”  

We launched the 25 years of National Youth Dance Wales exhibition at The Riverfront, Newport, on 30th and 31st October at Ballet Cymru and National Youth Dance Wales’s triple bill events, and we look forward to taking the exhibition on tour around Wales in the coming months. Locations are to be confirmed. 

"It is a great pleasure for us to support National Youth Arts Wales with this sponsorship. As a Welsh based business this allows us to support the organisation in its work to nurture and grow the talent and creativity of young people in Wales today.” said Booie Sall, Director of Harlequin Print Group. 

National Youth Arts Wales is committed to offering inclusive, high-quality opportunities for young musicians, dancers, actors and makers throughout Wales, ensuring that geography, income and background should never be barriers to participation in the arts.  

If you would like to support NYAW with a financial contribution to our vital work in the Arts in Wales, please contact: tracymarshallgrant@nyaw.org.uk 

Experience an unforgettable afternoon of music and collaboration!

BBC National Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Orchestra of Wales ‘side-by-side’ (2023)

Join us for a special concert where talented young musicians from the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) perform ‘side-by-side’ with world-class players from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales (BBC NOW).  

Between 28th and 30th November, NYOW members will join forces with their professional counterparts at BBC NOW to rehearse and perform an exciting programme of music that will consist of Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra and Mistico by NYOW’s very own Gwydion Rhys! 

Italian-Turkish conductor, Nil Venditti will lead the project, with the rehearsals and final concert taking place in Hoddinott Hall, Wales Millenium Centre. 

Since 2001, this bi-annual project has offered NYOW members a rare opportunity to step into the world of a professional orchestra and gain invaluable insight and experience. 

National Youth Arts Wales Deputy Chief Executive and Senior Producer, Matthew Jones says: "We're excited to be collaborating with BBC National Orchestra of Wales again for this special event. The project is an excellent opportunity for some of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales's most experienced and senior members to work intensely across what is a normal, professional rehearsal schedule, to sit next to and learn from experienced professional orchestral musicians and play some great music."   

Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of Welsh talent sharing the stage on Sunday 30th November with some of the nation’s finest musicians. 

Tickets are on sale on a Pay What You Can basis with a suggested ticket price of £7.50 general sale and £2.50 for under 25s. 

Programme 

Copland Fanfare for the Common Man 

Gwydion Rhys Mistico 

Bartók Concerto for Orchestra (Movements I-IV only) 

Performers 

BBC National Orchestra of Wales 

National Youth Orchestra of Wales 

Conductor: Nil Venditti 

Composers 

Aaron Copland 

Gwydion Rhys 

Béla Bartók  

Trustee Recruitment: The search is on for new Champions of Youth Arts in Wales

National Youth Theatre of Wales (2023) production of Under Milkwood. Image by Kirsten McTernan.

Since 2017, NYAW has grown to support exceptional talent across Wales in music, theatre and dance; while creating training pathways that enable young people from all backgrounds to develop skills and confidence in a welcoming and collaborative environment. We now reach about 2,000 young people every year.

As we continue to develop our portfolio, we're seeking up to 4 trustees who can help us innovate, strengthen skills and amplify our impact. We're particularly keen to hear from:

• Welsh speakers

• People living or working in mid/north Wales

• People from backgrounds currently under-represented in Wales's creative sectors, such as those living with a disability, from the Global Majority or from a low-income background.

As well as those with:

• Legal expertise

• Fundraising experience

• Marketing and lobbying skills

We also value prospective trustees who understand at least one area of our creative work and are committed to supporting future generations.

HOW TO APPLY

To express an interest in becoming a Trustee, please send a CV and brief covering letter to nyaw@nyaw.org.uk

The deadline for this round of recruitment is 1 December 2025

David Jackson OBE 1955-2025

National Youth Arts Wales reflects on the life and loss of David Jackson OBE with sorrow, affection and profound gratitude.

David was Chair of National Youth Arts Wales from October 2017 until this summer. During this time, he led the organisation through its formative years – initially focussing on leadership of the five ground-breaking National Youth Ensembles of Wales, and then broadening its remit to embrace other art forms, championing the importance of high quality and collective creativity for all young people. He was always determined that nobody would be “left behind”, for reasons of disability or financial hardship in particular. Many thousands of young people from throughout Wales have directly benefitted from NYAW’s projects, ensembles and performances as a result.

"David’s cheerful insight, friendship and calm determination brought people together, and showed that extraordinary things are possible. Central to his vision was that young people of every background should access the life-changing experiences of artistic, collective creativity.

David believed in us – so we will continue believing, ensuring his legacy resonates for generations to come. But we will all miss him deeply.”

- Evan Dawson, CEO National Youth Arts Wales

David’s impact on the arts world in Wales and beyond is incredible. He was perhaps best-known as the Artistic Director of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, which became one of the most highly regarded classical singing competitions in the world under his stewardship.

He had also been a producer, executive producer and commissioner of television and radio for the BBC and the independent sector. His programmes won many awards including a Primetime Emmy, BAFTAs, the Rose d’Or, SONY Awards, several Golden Prague and Vienna TV Awards and many nominations.

Previous posts included Head of Music at BBC Wales, Vice Principal at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Acting Director of the BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales, and Managing Director of the National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain.

In addition to his professional work, David served for a number of years as a Trustee and Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Wales Millennium Centre. He was a trustee of the chamber orchestra Sinfonia Cymru, sat on the Governors’ Music Committee of Wells Cathedral School, and was a Governor of Ysgol y Deri Special School in Sully. He was Chair of the Forget-Me-Not Chorus for people with dementia and their carers. He was awarded an OBE for services to music in the Platinum Birthday Honours in June 2022.

David died peacefully during the morning of Friday 17 October 2025. Our thoughts are with his wife Anne and their two grown-up children.

National Youth Arts Wales would welcome any comments about your memories of David, to be sent to nyaw@nyaw.org.uk which we will publish and share with his family. We will also launch a new award for young singers, entitled The David Jackson Award, in partnership with other arts organisations in Wales. More details soon.

National Youth Arts Wales launches Creative Futures project to bring free Music and Dance workshops to young people in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen

The ambitious, cross-sector initiative led by National Youth Arts Wales and funded by the Welsh Government’s Child Poverty Innovation Fund, launches this Saturday in South East Wales. 
 
Creative Futures aims to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities in access to creative and wellbeing opportunities for disadvantaged young people in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent – two of the most opportunity deprived areas in Wales.  

Working with several partners including Ballet Cymru, Public Health Wales and Gwent Music Services, we will be offering young people aged 10-18 a series of co-designed free workshops from November 2025 through to March 2026 across six venues.   

Louise Prosser of Ballet Cymru says: “Ballet Cymru is thrilled to be partnering with National Youth Arts Wales to bring fun, accessible, and exciting dance and music sessions to six new communities. We can’t wait to connect with young people, spark creativity, and build lasting relationships through the Creative Futures project.” 

Simon Linton of Gwent Music says: “It is fantastic to be working with NYAW’s on the Creative Futures project. At last, we are seeing joined up thinking right through the music education pyramid. This is such a worthwhile project that will bring a huge amount to the students involved!” 

The two-hour weekly workshops led by leading dance, music and creative industry professionals will provide young people in the area with skills in singing and songwriting, music production, dance and choreography, as well as wellbeing and creative skills. Participants can choose to take part in some or all the activities. 

National Youth Arts Wales’ Creative Futures Project Manager, Bruna Garcia, says: "It's so important that every young person gets the opportunity to develop their creativity and build their confidence. Creative Futures will be a safe space where everyone can explore their interest in music, dance and gain valuable skills all while having fun!" 

If you are, or know, a young person between the ages of 10-18 and are based in Blaenau Gwent or Torfaen, we would love to hear from you... 

 Why join? 

• Work with leading professionals in dance, music, and creative industries 

• Learn new skills, make friends, and build confidence 

• Perform, showcase, and explore your creative potential 

• Refreshments provided 

 Could you be a part of our Youth Advisory Panel? 

We are also searching for a group of diverse young people aged 14-18 to help shape Creative Futures and ensure that the project is relevant and accessible to your community.   

You will help to shape project design, ensure accessibility and encourage community engagement. As well as advise on marketing, and act as project ambassadors to your peers.  

We believe youth voice should be at the centre of what we do so we want to hear from you!  

• Have your say: Help shape an exciting music & dance project for young people in your area.  

• Gain experience: Leadership skills, event planning, creative decision-making.  

• Get rewarded: Travel covered, refreshments provided, reference for future opportunities, love to shop voucher.  

• Make an impact: Influence what the Creative Futures workshops look like and how we reach young people.  

Beyond the Mirror: National Youth Dance Wales member’s bold documentary challenges dance industry beauty standards

Through her documentary Beyond the Mirror, National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) 2025 Member, Phoebe Clark, is amplifying the voices of young dancers determined to redefine the dance industry. Rooted in her own experiences, the documentary challenges harmful beauty standards and empowers young dancers to embrace their worth beyond physical appearance. With the support of NYDW - a space where young artists are celebrated for who they are - Phoebe is encouraging others to engage in a conversation that celebrates authenticity, resilience, and talent.  
 
“I created my documentary Beyond the Mirror as part of my university dissertation, but it quickly became much more than an academic project. It was a deeply personal journey; an opportunity to challenge the norms of the dance industry and ignite a movement toward change.” 

Photo by Sian Trenberth

“Countless other dancers have faced similar judgment and pressure. Beyond the Mirror became a platform to give voice to these stories and to advocate for a more inclusive, supportive, and realistic vision of what it means to be a dancer.”  

“NYDW has always been a place where I’ve felt truly safe, valued, and seen, not for how I look, but for who I am and what I bring as an artist. It has a family-like atmosphere that prioritizes the inner qualities: your purpose, purity, talent, and personality, rather than your appearance or how you dress. When I was 16, at a time when I was hearing things no young person should have to hear, NYDW became my anchor. It kept me dancing. Whether they knew it or not, the support and reassurance I received from them reminded me that I was talented and worthy, and that meant everything.” 

National Youth Arts Wales’s Head of Dance, Jamie Jenkins said:

“Phoebe’s documentary is a powerful and deeply moving reflection on the realities of navigating the performing arts industry with diverse physiques and appearances. Her honesty and courage in sharing her personal journey are nothing short of inspiring. By speaking out with such vulnerability and strength, she is not only owning her story but also lighting the way for others to stand up, reach out, and challenge harmful behaviours. At NYDW, we are proud to champion individuality, celebrate diversity, and nurture a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to be exactly who they are.” 

Photo by Sian Trenberth

“This year, I’m excited to connect with more dancers, work with choreographer Yukiko Masui, and to take our piece to London for a performance at Sadler’s Wells East. It’s a remarkable opportunity. I’m looking forward to training alongside like-minded individuals and immersing myself in an environment filled with exceptional talent and shared passion.”, says Dancer, Performer and Teacher, Phoebe Clark. 

National Youth Dance Wales marks 25 years in 2025 and was celebrated with a special performance at Sadler’s Wells East on 25th July – earning a standing ovation and rousing applause. The dance ensemble return to Wales for two performances at The Riverfront, Newport, on 30th and 31st October with Ballet Cymru. For more information and to book tickets, click here.  

Watch Phoebe’s documentary below…

Outstanding Dance Made in Wales: Ballet Cymru and National Youth Dance Wales Present an Autumn Triple Bill

Ballet Cymru will be hosting an exciting collaboration with National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) in a shared triple bill at The Riverfront, Newport, on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October.  

Showcasing three extraordinary short works by world-class choreographers, the evening features Momentum – Undone by Marcus Jarrell Willis, Artistic Director of Phoenix Dance Theatre, known for his signature blend of humour and seamless musicality. Ballet Cymru Artistic Directors Darius James OBE and Amy Doughty present a brand-new creation, Woven, especially for this programme.  

Celebrating 25 years of National Youth Dance Wales, the young dancers return as special guests for the third consecutive year, performing The Night is Darkest Just Before The Dawn by acclaimed choreographer Yukiko Masui, which showcases powerful movement, blending Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Martial Arts. The piece is described as a tribute to ‘quiet champions’ - people who stand beside us in life’s darkest moments and support us without recognition. 

Talking about the piece, Masui said: “This piece was inspired by a superhero character, where they are so powerful but they’re working in the darkest nighttime, so it’s not like you get a spotlight to shine but it’s about doing something for others and being a powerful figure when nobody is watching you.” 

U.Dance National Festival 2025 at Sadler’s Wells East presented by One Dance UK, photo Dance Photographer UK/Point of View Photography. 

Under the direction of Yukiko Masui and Jamie Jenkins, Head of Dance at National Youth Arts Wales, the company has been nurtured through a variety of technique classes, creative exploration sessions, wellbeing classes and mentorships, largely delivered by NYDW alumni.  

National Youth Dance Wales 2025 member Carlie, from Neath, said: “It’s finally October and that means that NYDW’s performance is only a few weeks away and we can’t wait! I am excited for this performance because we get to share the stage with the amazing Ballet Cymru. This performance feels extra special, as the company are reunited to perform in Wales, representing our country, sharing our passion and hard work with the audience. We hope to see you all there at Newport Riverfront Theatre on October the 30th and 31st!”  

 National Youth Dance Wales 2025 member Jack, from Swansea said: “I’m so excited to be performing again with National Youth Dance Wales this October. It’s such an amazing opportunity to share the stage with such talented dancers and to perform work by choreographer Yukiko Masui. I can’t wait to bring all our hard work to life and share this experience with the audience. I'm so proud to be a dancer of National Youth Dance Wales.” 

During the summer, NYDW’s 25th Year company came together in Cardiff for an intensive two-week residency to create and rehearse the extended version of the work before heading to Sadler’s Wells East, London, for its premiere alongside National Youth Dance Company Scotland and National Youth Dance Company, where they received a standing ovation. 

For your final chance to catch this special performance, book your tickets today. Ticket prices are set between £17 and £20, with concessions available.   

U.Dance National Festival 2025 at Sadler’s Wells East presented by One Dance UK, photo Dance Photographer UK/Point of View Photography.