Celebrating Assemble: A Creative Journey of Joy and Inclusion

Led by National Youth Arts Wales, in partnership with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, “Assemble” started in Autumn 2023. It is a joyful, two-year creative project all about imagination and inclusion, with young people taking the spotlight. 

We’ve worked with three incredible non-mainstream schools across South Wales (Ysgol y Deri, Greenfield School and Ysgol Crug Glas) - delivering creative workshops every fortnight, organising cultural visits, and helping young disabled people explore their ideas, identities, and talents through the arts.  

And on Thursday 10th April, at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, it was finally time to celebrate all they’ve achieved! 

Our brilliant Participation and Learning team - Hope Dowsett and Bruna Garcia - opened the day with warmth and energy, welcoming families, teachers, supporters, and young people to a day of performance sharing, celebration, and of course… cake. 

“This has been a vibrant, energetic, and occasionally bubble-filled adventure,” 
– Bruna Garcia, Participation & Learning Officer 

Our Wales-based work ran alongside parallel programmes in London and Manchester, with each strand designed to reflect local voices and priorities. Here in Wales, we’ve been proud to lead with care, creativity and community. 

From classroom-based workshops to unforgettable theatre trips (yes, the penguins in Madagascar were a definite highlight!), Assemble has been about creating safe and exciting spaces for young people to explore who they are, connect with others, and build their confidence through creativity. 

“What’s made this project so significant is the community it’s created”, Hope said. “Young people and volunteers have come together over a shared love of creativity, building friendships, developing teamwork, and becoming advocates for change.” 

Over the past two years, there have been sessions every two weeks - filled with laughter, play, thoughtful conversations and more than a few cups of tea. But what really stood out on the day was the sheer joy in the room.   

“Assemble has shown us what’s possible when we truly listen to young people—especially those whose voices too often go unheard. The team at National Youth Arts Wales is incredibly proud of every young person who took part. We will continue to champion the vital importance of the arts and creative collaboration for every single young person in Wales, including those in non-mainstream schools.” 

— Evan Dawson, CEO, National Youth Arts Wales 

This project has been a big team effort together with our brilliant partners from National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, the creative minds at Hijinx, Craidd, and Grand Ambition, to the researchers at London Metropolitan University, the Creative Learning Team at Wales Millenium Centre, and the wonderful teachers who let us turn their classrooms into stages, oceans, and dance floors. 

A huge thank you goes to our funders—the National Lottery Community Fund and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation—for making projects like this possible, and for backing the kind of arts that genuinely change lives. 

Of course, the biggest thank you of all goes to the young people who’ve been part of Assemble. You’ve shown what’s possible when creativity is for everyone. 

We ended the day in the best way we know how - with tea and cake. Because if there’s one thing that we’ve learned during Assemble, its that great things happen when we come together. And no good party is without tea and cake! 

National Youth Arts Wales wants this to be just the beginning for the young people involved in Assemble. This journey doesn’t end here - let’s keep creating, connecting, and celebrating the young people across Wales. 

If you would like to get in touch with our Participation and Learning team about the Assemble project, please contact: hopedowsett@nyaw.org.uk / brunagarcia@nyaw.org.uk 

National Youth Jazz Wales is Launched

A New Era of Jazz Takes Off in Wales 

45 young jazz musicians from throughout Wales gathered for the first-ever National Youth Jazz Wales residency this Easter. This ambitious three-day course marked the launch of a major new initiative by National Youth Arts Wales, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Jazz Explorers Cymru—an ambitious partnership designed to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians in Wales. 

National Youth Jazz Wales is launched at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. NYAW Chief Executive, Evan Dawson holds a microphone in the centre of the image before the young musicians perform. Photo by Kirsten McTernan.

Three Days of Music, Mentorship & Magic 

Young instrumentalists and vocalists aged 14–22 were immersed in workshops, rehearsals, improvisation sessions and masterclasses with some of Wales’s most celebrated jazz professionals, including Andrew Bain, Paula Gardiner, Huw Warren, Joe Northwood and Gethin Liddington. They were also supported by current RWCMD jazz students, who played an active role as mentors. 

“Being at this course is really great. I’ve learnt SO much regarding improvising and general playing” – Karishma Sharma-Barrow, NYJW participant 

“It’s a great opportunity to meet other musicians, musicians that have come from all across the country - all at different levels but there’s always something to learn from someone else, especially the teachers. They’ve worked with us well.”   – Tom Kochalski, NYJW participant 

The impact of the residency reached beyond the students themselves, resonating strongly with their families too. 

 “My son had an amazing time and learnt a lot. Before going, he was a bit anxious about being in such a big group of young people, but he felt so included and comfortable the whole time. He didn’t want it to end.”  

“[My son] loves playing jazz and this is the first opportunity he's had to perform with like-minded musicians.” – Parent of Participant 

“Thank you so much for organising a fantastic course. My son really enjoyed it and he's sad it's over—and hopes you’ll do it again very soon!” – Parent of Participant 

A Connected Jazz Future for Wales 

This pilot residency marks just the beginning. National Youth Jazz Wales is set to grow into a year-round programme offering young musicians across Wales unprecedented access to high-quality jazz education and performance opportunities. 

 “We’re building a national jazz network that connects young talent with mentors, peers, and opportunities that simply haven’t existed at this scale before,” said Andrew Bain, Head of Jazz at RWCMD. “This is a major step for Welsh jazz.” 

Backed by Arts Council of Wales and National Music Service Wales, the project is a landmark in inclusive music development—creating space for young people to connect, express themselves, and envision a future in jazz or improvised music. 

Stay Tuned! 

“During the past year, we’ve been working with the National Music Services throughout Wales, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and Jazz Explorers Cymru to understand what the opportunities are for young aspiring jazz musicians in Wales - and we found there was a massive gap in provision”, said Evan Dawson, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales. “This project is a massive opportunity to find those young people and bring them together to collaborate, learn from the fantastic tutors at the College, and progress on their journeys.”  

 
To be the first to hear about future National Youth Jazz Wales courses, subscribe to NYAW’s mailing list or follow @nationalyouthartswales on social media.   

National Youth Dance Wales turns 25 - Join the Celebration!

Get ready to dance, reminisce and be inspired! This year marks 25 years of National Youth Dance Wales (NYDW) empowering young dancers and shaping the future of dance in Wales.  
 
To mark this incredible milestone, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) is launching a nationwide celebration—honouring our past, showcasing our present, and inspiring the next generation of dancers. Expect powerful performances, unforgettable stories, and a vision for the future that will set the stage for the next 25 years! 

We’ll be sharing the moments, memories, and magic that have defined NYDW—and trust us, big things are coming. 

We’re taking the NYDW story on the road! A dynamic, interactive exhibition will travel to theatres, libraries, and community spaces across Wales, bringing our history to life. But that’s not all—each stop will feature a FREE NYDW dance workshop, led by our incredible alumni and NYDW staff. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to give it a go, this is your chance to experience the energy and joy of NYDW firsthand! 

To commemorate this milestone, we’re publishing a special 25th Anniversary Programme, packed with: 

• Stunning performance images 

• Exclusive interviews with choreographers & alumni 

• Insight from those that have help shape NYDW, from advisory panellists, group leaders, dance advocates 

• Never-before-seen sketches of our iconic production designs 
  …and so much more! 

This is more than a keepsake—it’s a legacy for dancers, educators, and arts supporters. 

The excitement doesn’t stop there! NYDW’s 25th Year Company and choreographer will be announced soon—and they’ll be creating breathtaking choreography for two major performances: 

SADLER’S WELLS, LONDON – July 25, 2025 
Sharing the stage with National Youth Dance Company of Scotland and National Youth Dance Company (England). 

THE RIVERFRONT, NEWPORT – October 30 & 31, 2025 
A triumphant return to Wales for a showcase of passion, power, and artistry. 

National Youth Arts Wales’ Head of Dance, Jamie Jenkins, says:  
 
"For 25 years, NYDW has been a catalyst for young dancers—igniting creativity, forging lifelong connections, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in dance. This milestone isn’t just about looking back; it’s about stepping boldly into the future, celebrating the power of movement, and inspiring the next generation to take the stage.” 

Were You Part of NYDW? We Want to Hear from You! 

Once a part of NYDW, always a part of the family! If you danced with us, get in touch! Share your name, location, and the year you were in NYDW—and if you have photos or videos, we’d love to see them! 

This is your celebration, and we want you to be part of it. Let’s make this a year to remember—#NYDW25 starts now!  

From Classrooms to Centre Stage: National Youth Arts Wales inspires performers throughout Wales

Former National Youth Theatre Wales member, Niamh Moulton, presenting on the roadshow. Photo: Kirsten McTernan

At a time when the Arts sector across Wales faces growing financial pressures and uncertainty, National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been a vital lifeline for creative young people. Throughout February and March 2025, NYAW visited 15 secondary schools, colleges, and youth theatres, engaging over 550 students aged 14-18 in dynamic workshops designed to nurture the next generation of performers.

Delivered by a young team of National Youth Theatre Wales (NYTW) alumni—many of whom have since built careers in the arts—the NYAW Roadshow provided not just skills development, but a powerful message: opportunities in the arts should not be reserved for the few, especially as funding cuts threaten to narrow the path.

Megan Childs, Theatre Producer at National Youth Arts Wales said:

“Meeting students, teachers, and course leaders from every corner of Wales has been inspiring. Yet, beneath that enthusiasm lies a stark reality: many schools, especially in areas facing economic hardship, are working miracles to keep arts education alive despite dwindling resources. There’s no shortage of talent or commitment among young people -what’s lacking is the consistent investment to support them.”

The Roadshow is part of NYAW’s new Ambassador programme, offering paid training and facilitation opportunities for former NYTW ensemble members. These alumni not only led workshops but also shared their own journeys, showing students how involvement in the arts can lead to professional careers and lifelong personal development.

Niamh Moulton, a 2017-2019 NYTW member and now working professionally in the arts, reflected:

“It was great getting to tell students interested in creative arts what National Youth Theatre Wales can offer them. They were at the perfect age to be able to apply and audition over several different years, which is something I wish I’d done. I’m also glad schools in Wales are as passionate and eager about the arts as NYAW is - a positive step in the best direction for the future of the industry.”

Dafydd Leonard, who has been part of NYTW since 2019, added:

“I found the eagerness to get involved from the students really inspiring. I wanted to be [an ambassador] because of how special my time with the National Youth Theatre Wales was. I wanted to enlighten the next generation of young creatives about how they could get involved and have an unforgettable experience, just like I did.”

One stop on the Roadshow, Afon Taf, Troed y Rhiw, illustrates the stakes. Drama teacher Miss Jones shared:

“The experience [of NYAW’s visit] was invaluable for our students, many of whom come from a generally deprived area where opportunities in the arts are limited. As the sole Drama teacher since qualifying, I have been working to build the drama department from the ground up, striving to provide creative opportunities in a time when Arts Education is increasingly underfunded and under resourced. Seeing the students engage so enthusiastically with the workshop and opportunities in front of them reaffirmed just how vital the arts are in inspiring confidence, creativity, and self-expression.”

Photo by Kirsten McTernan

Participating in the performing arts offers young people proven benefits—boosting confidence, communication, academic performance, emotional well-being, and employability. Yet, these pathways are increasingly under threat.

Earlier this year, National Youth Arts Wales Chief Executive, Evan Dawson, issued a strong call to action in response to more proposed cuts to arts funding in Wales:

“We cannot afford to be the generation that watches from the sidelines as our cultural legacy and the potential of our youth are stifled by shortsighted budget cuts. Let’s champion a renaissance in Welsh arts—not just for culture’s sake, but for the holistic development of our society.” Read the statement here.

Applications are now open for National Youth Theatre Wales 2025 auditions, closing Thursday 27th March. Selected members will benefit from three intensive residential training programmes, partnerships with leading companies like Theatr Clwyd and Wales Millennium Centre, and the chance to shape NYAW’s 2026 Anniversary production—all while working bilingually and building friendships for life. Book your audition here.  

As Wales faces difficult decisions about the future of arts funding, National Youth Arts Wales commitment to empowering young people in the arts sends a clear message: our young people’s creative voices deserve not only to be heard—but championed.

If you would like to find out how donations could help provide young people with opportunities and access to the arts, click here.

Empowering the Next Generation of Welsh Singers

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) Côr Skills programme is designed to help young singers across Wales develop the confidence and expertise to take on a wide range of vocal and choral opportunities. From the National Youth Choir of Wales to county ensembles and beyond, the programme provides a stepping stone for passionate singers, regardless of prior formal training or experience.  

NYAW staff Mason Edwards and Bruna Garcia at Côr Skills 2025

This half-term, Côr Skills continued its way around Wales, with a four-day residential course designed to inspire and develop young singers aged 14–18.  Held in Lampeter from February 24–27, the residency brought together a team of expert vocal leaders and special guest mentors to nurture participants' musical talents. 

Throughout the residency, aspiring young singers honed their vocal technique, musical theory, and audition skills through a series of tailored workshops. The course also placed a strong emphasis on community and social connection, with activities such as a silent disco and other fun events designed to help participants build friendships and confidence. 

NYAW partnered with National Music Plan in Powys to deliver taster workshops ahead of the residency, strengthening its presence in Mid Wales and encouraging more young people to engage with choral music. 

Parents were full of praise for the impact of Côr Skills: 

“[My daughter] had an amazing time and learnt a lot at her time there. After learning so much [my daughter] was wondering if there is anything similar you will be running this year.”

- Parent of Côr Skills participant  

“We just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for giving [my son] the most incredible week at Côr Skills. The performance this afternoon was beautiful and quite breath-taking. We couldn’t believe what you had all achieved in just a few days – amazing!”

- Parent of Côr Skills participant  


“Our Côr Skills 2025 residency was huge success! I’m so proud of all the young people who joined us and grateful to our amazing partners and funders who helped to make this happen!” 
- Participation and Learning Officer, Bruna Garcia 

NYAW extends its heartfelt thanks to supporters including ABRSM and The Backstage Trust, whose generous contributions made Côr Skills 2025 possible. 

Watch highlights from Côr Skills 2025 here 
 
Find out more information about Côr Skills here 
 

Supporting Young Strings Players Throughout Wales

The National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) programme “Strings Attached” has continued its roll-out around Wales. During February, we welcomed over 50 young string players at University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen, for an intensive, ambitious day of musical learning.

The strategic initiative for young musicians is aimed at those at Grade 5 and above and was run in collaboration with Powys Music Service. Strings Attached offers talented young musicians a friendly development platform to enhance their skills and musical experience, whilst making new friends.  

Throughout the workshop, held on Saturday 15th February 2025, participants worked closely with the National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) team, focusing on both string repertoire and playing techniques while honing their skills. They were supported by tutors from local music services and a group of Peer Mentors—young musicians from NYOW. 

The workshop also included a valuable session about the audition process for National Youth Arts Wales music ensembles. The Q&A session was led by Matthew Jones, Senior Producer and Deputy Chief Executive at National Youth Arts Wales; tutors who serve on audition panels; and Peer Mentors, who have firsthand experience of the auditions. 

The day finished with a showcase performance where the young musicians played the repertoire they had worked on, from Mozart to Morfydd Owen. The high standard of the performances reflected the dedication and hard work of the participants throughout the event.
 

Matthew Jones said: “This has been our second year of running Strings Attached and it was fantastic to see the young talent coming up through the mid-Wales and beyond. We hope some of the musicians who participated have been inspired to continue striving and audition for our National Youth ensembles in the coming years.” 

“This truly was a fantastic opportunity.  Thank you again for what you do for our children and the arts in Wales.”  
- Parent of Strings Attached participant 

“Many thanks for putting this on and I hope there are other regular events of this nature for young string players in
S. Wales.”  - Parent of Strings Attached participant 

NYAW extends its gratitude to the Colwinston Charitable Trust, A&B Cymru, ABRSM, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, as well as its core funders Arts Council Wales and the National Music Service, whose support has made Strings Attached 2025 possible. 

Strings Attached 2025 participants from across Wales at University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Welsh Youth to feature in the European Brass Band 2025

The team at National Youth Brass Band of Wales (NYBBW) is bursting with pride as three of our outstanding young musicians prepare to represent Europe on one of the most prestigious stages for young brass musicians. 

Solomon (Sol) Maghur, who plays the Cornet, Gwen Howe on the Bass Trombone, and Sean Linton on the Tuba, have been handpicked to join the European Youth Brass Band (EYBB) 2025. The trio will travel to Stavanger, Norway, this May to perform alongside Europe’s finest young brass players in a week of thrilling music-making and camaraderie. 

The EYBB residency is a dream come true for many aspiring brass musicians. For Sol, Gwen, and Sean, it marks a significant milestone in their musical journeys. Over the course of the week, they will rehearse and perform under the guidance of world-class conductors, culminating in spectacular performances at the European Brass Band Championships. These concerts, which include the Grand Gala Concert and Opening Ceremony, promise to be unforgettable highlights. 

Matthew Jones, Senior Producer for NYBBW, said: “Sol, Gwen, and Sean represent the very best of the National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Their selection for the European Youth Brass Band is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of their exceptional talent and dedication. We are thrilled to see them take this next step on their musical journey and are confident they will inspire and impress audiences in Norway and beyond.” 

The EYBB, established in the early 2000s, is not just a celebration of musical talent but a unique opportunity for young musicians to connect, collaborate, and push the boundaries of their artistry. Sol, Gwen, and Sean will join forces with peers from across Europe, creating music that transcends borders and leaves a lasting impression. 

While these young stars prepare for their European adventure, the National Youth Brass Band of Wales is also gearing up for its exciting 2025 programme. Rehearsals will begin in April, followed by a week’s residency and a tour that will bring unforgettable performances to audiences across Wales. This year, National Youth Brass Band of Wales welcomes back sought-after Welsh conductor, Paul Holland.

For more updates and to follow the incredible journey of these young Welsh ambassadors, visit NYAW’s website. 

Statement on proposed closure of Cardiff University's Music Department

The proposed closure of Cardiff University's music department is a profound blow to the cultural and educational landscape of Wales. 

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales said:

“The music department at Cardiff University has a proud history, interwoven with the development of Welsh music, notably through the influence of Professor Alun Hoddinott. As a former head of the department, Hoddinott was instrumental in shaping the institution into a powerhouse for musical education and innovation, fostering talents like Karl Jenkins and many others who have enriched our cultural landscape. This department has been the cradle for many composers, musicians and scholars who've left an indelible mark on the arts both in Wales and globally.  

We are witnessing a worrying trend where the arts, particularly music, are being systematically devalued through funding cuts and institutional closures. This decision by Cardiff University threatens the immediate future of current students, staff and the broader music community – whilst it also jeopardises the long-term cultural health of our nation. 

Music education is not merely an academic pursuit - it is a fundamental part of our community's identity, offering young people avenues for expression, personal development and professional opportunities. The closure of this department would drastically reduce the pathways available for those aiming to contribute to Wales's rich musical heritage. 

In our recent "Youth Arts Crisis" statement, we highlighted how chronic underfunding in youth arts is denying opportunities for countless young people, impacting their health, education and community wellbeing. This decision by Cardiff University starkly illustrates the very issues we've been campaigning about. It is imperative that we recognise and invest in the arts as essential to our society's fabric. 

We urge Cardiff University to reconsider its decision. We must all act now to secure a future in which every young person in Wales has the chance to benefit from the arts, ensuring that the cultural legacy of our nation, once nurtured by figures like Alun Hoddinott, continues to flourish for generations to come.”

NYAW is in touch with our many members of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, National Youth Choir of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales who are currently studying at Cardiff University.

"I’m currently in my second year undergraduate at Cardiff University, studying music. The proposal to shut the School of Music has deeply affected staff and students. We’re all unsure how the future looks now, but we know we will feel the impacts of the closures over the next year. For the capital city to lose its music school is a huge blow.” 

NYOW member

"As a third year student at Cardiff University, the School of Music have provided me with many valuable experiences throughout my journey. It's heartbreaking news that our music course at Cardiff might be coming to an end, and a shock to everyone that future students might not have this same opportunity."

NYOW member

Youth Arts Crisis: National Youth Arts Wales Calls on Welsh Government to Act Now

As advocates for youth creativity in Wales, National Youth Arts Wales is today raising the alarm about the “shameful” state of youth arts funding in our nation. We call on the Welsh Government to address this urgent situation, ensuring every young person can access the transformative power of the arts.

The recent Senedd report "A Decade of Cuts" reveals a landscape of neglect and chronic underfunding, jeopardising not only the arts, but also our cultural identity and the development of future generations.

Wales, once vibrant with artistic expression, now ranks the second lowest in Europe for investment in the arts per person. This decline is not merely numbers on a spreadsheet - it's a narrative of lost opportunities, diminished creativity, and a future in which our children don’t have access to arts opportunities that could shape their lives. As highlighted by Arts Council Wales in its recent Economic Impact Report, there has been a 40% real-terms reduction in revenue funding for culture since 2010. With every passing year, we are losing ground in an area that Wales should be leading.

Contrast this with the compelling evidence from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) study published a few weeks ago. This research underscores what those of us in the arts have known for years - engagement in arts and culture has a profound impact on health and wellbeing. The study reveals that regular participation in cultural activities can reduce the need for healthcare services, enhance mental health and foster community cohesion. More specifically, it quantifies the social return on investment, showing that for every pound invested in arts and culture, there is a substantial return in economic, social and health benefits. As Arts Council Wales’s own Impact Report demonstrated, the Welsh economy benefits by £2.51 for every £1 spent on cultural activities. Put simply, the more we spend on the arts, the more we save elsewhere.

Evan Dawson, CEO of National Youth Arts Wales, emphasised: “We call on the Welsh Government to reconsider how resources are allocated, placing renewed emphasis on ‘prevention’ as a strategic investment. A long-term plan is needed - one that recognises the arts, particularly youth arts, as critical infrastructure for a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous Wales. Crucially, this must be a comprehensive strategy that integrates budgets for Education, Culture, and Health. The arts are not a luxury,but a necessity for the development of young minds. They provide a platform for expression, learning and resilience. Investing in youth arts is investing in the future leaders, thinkers and innovators of Wales.”

Economic Argument

Beyond the intrinsic value of arts, there's a clear economic case. The arts sector directly contributes to GDP, supports local economies, and creates jobs. Moreover, the social return on investment in arts, as evidenced by the DCMS study, significantly outweighs the initial investment.

Health and Wellbeing

The wellbeing benefits of arts participation are undeniable. In times when mental health among young people is a growing concern, arts can offer therapeutic avenues, reducing the societal burden of health costs through prevention and early intervention. 

Cultural Preservation and Innovation

Wales is at risk of losing its unique cultural narratives if we do not nurture them through the arts. Youth arts programmes are not just about preserving culture but also about pushing boundaries and fostering innovation.

Community Building

Arts programmes bring communities together, creating inclusive spaces where diversity is celebrated. This social cohesion is vital, especially in an era where divisiveness can so easily take root.

Evan Dawson added: “Again, we urge the Welsh Government to re-evaluate resource allocation, prioritising 'prevention' as a strategic investment for the future. We cannot afford to be the generation that watches from the sidelines as our cultural legacy and the potential of our youth are stifled by shortsighted budget cuts. Let's champion a renaissance in Welsh arts, not just for the sake of culture but for the holistic development of our society.  Our children deserve a Wales where their creative expressions are not only heard but celebrated, where their involvement in the arts is seen as a fundamental part of their growth and our collective future.”

National Youth Arts Wales will award more bursaries to young people thanks to new funding from Leverhulme Trust

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been awarded an Art Scholarship grant of £171,990 by the Leverhulme Trust to support training opportunities for young people from lower-income backgrounds to access our advanced performance training in the arts.

Our vision is to build a creative, confident and generous future for Wales by empowering the next generation of musicians, actors, dancers and makers. As well as leading Wales’s five national youth ensembles (theatre, dance, orchestra, choir and brass band), we also have a strategic overview of the health of youth arts throughout Wales. Every year we engage with around 2,000 young people (aged 16-22), drawn from every county in Wales, through exceptional training and performance opportunities.

This new funding from the Leverhulme Trust will allow NYAW to grow its current programme of bursaries and development programmes, ensuring that household income should never be a barrier for the most talented young people to aspire to a career in the arts. As well as offering fee reductions of up to 100% for our summer residencies, those most in need will also receive a bursary grant to help cover travel costs and other expenses. NYAW will continue offering automatic fee waivers for young people coming from households receiving Universal Credit, Free School Meals or full Welsh Government Learning Grants, as well as young carers, those seeking asylum or care-experienced members.

Evan Dawson, NYAW’s CEO, commented on the announcement: “At National Youth Arts Wales, we are all delighted and humbled to receive this funding from the Leverhulme Trust. With their support, we will continue to ensure every young person in Wales can access advanced and joyful performance training in the arts, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Along with this grant from the Leverhulme Trust, the NYAW Bursary Fund is also supported annually by the Neil and Mary Ellen Webber Bursary Fund, and the Friends of National Youth Orchestra of Wales. We’re also grateful to all the individuals who give to our bursary fund by direct debit – you can join them by visiting https://www.nyaw.org.uk/support-us.

NYAW’s expanded bursary scheme is just one part of the ongoing effort to work towards a more equitable arts sector for young performers. NYAW is also expanding its range of development projects, designed to provide targeted tuition to young people from under-represented communities, such as those with a disability, or from communities who experience racism. These include the Strings Attached and Cor Skills programmes, and the Assemble project for non-mainstream schools.

About the Leverhulme Trust

Since its foundation in 1925, the Leverhulme Trust has provided grants and scholarships for research and education, funding research projects, fellowships, studentships, bursaries and prizes; it operates across all the academic disciplines, the intention being to support talented individuals as they realise their personal vision in research and professional training. Today, it is one of the largest all-subject providers of research funding in the UK, distributing approximately £120 million a year. For more information about the Trust, please visit www.leverhulme.ac.uk