Bursaries Open the Door: Record number of young people throughout Wales took their place in the national ensembles this summer

NYCW 2026

This year, National Youth Arts Wales has again been able to say yes to young musicians, singers, actors and dancers who would otherwise have been unable to take up a place. 

Travel, residency fees and time away from home can put a national ensemble out of reach, even after a successful audition. NYAW’s bursary scheme exists so that household income is not what decides who gets to train and perform at the highest level. 

In 2026/27, a record £142,514 was awarded in bursary support. 230 of 355 members (65%) received help. That was up from £81,627 the previous year, awarded to 166 members from a total of 272. 

Support can cover up to 100% of residency fees. Those most in need can also receive help with travel and other costs. Automatic fee waivers remain in place for young people in households receiving Universal Credit, Free School Meals or a full Welsh Government Learning Grant, and for young carers, care-experienced members and those seeking asylum. Audition fees are also waived in full where they would be a barrier. 

"Regarding the bursary it made a massive difference to my overall experience of my first time as a national youth theatre Wales member. I’ll be honest, when I first auditioned, I didn’t know enough about the costs and how much we would have to pay to be a part of the programme, however once I knew about the bursary a big weight was lifted of my shoulder.”  
- National Youth Theatre Wales Member 

A parent of a National Youth Arts Wales member said: "The bursary process was straight forward to apply for and promptly processed.”  

That work is only possible because of our funders. 

We are deeply grateful to the Leverhulme Trust, whose Art Scholarship grant has allowed NYAW to grow the bursary programme, including 100% fee support for younger members from lower-income households and extra help with travel and expenses. The Leverhulme bursary sits alongside NYAW’s own income-assessed awards - members do not have to choose which scheme to apply for. 

We also thank the Garfield Weston Foundation for its award of core support during the past year. That grant helps safeguard Wales’s five national youth ensembles and NYAW’s wider work across the country. 

The bursary fund is supported each year as well by the Neil and Mary Ellen Webber Bursary Fund, the Bluefields Trust, the Friends of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, and individuals who give regularly.

NYAW’s aim remains simple: no young person offered a place should have to turn it down for financial reasons. Talent, commitment and generosity should be all that matter. 

If you would like to help another young person take up their place, please visit nyaw.org.uk/donate or contact nyaw@nyaw.org.uk