Background to the Board for the Arts

This Board provides expertise and advice to inform the future strategic direction of the Arts department. It will assist the department in its vision to expand the Urdd's year-round arts programme and to act as a link to develop new partnerships to achieve this goal. The Urdd Eisteddfod is a landmark event in the Welsh Arts calendar, attracting 76,000 competitors and contributing £11M to the Welsh economy. We are passionate about ensuring that the Urdd's national and community arts offer continues to evolve and grow inclusively and that all children and young people in Wales have the opportunity to participate.

Members of this Board, together with the director, agree the Urdd’s strategic direction for the Arts, to provide memorable experiences and opportunities, in the Arts, for children and young people in Wales and beyond.

Arwel Gruffydd

Chair, Board for the Arts

I graduated from Bangor University before training as an actor at the Webber Douglas Academy, London. I was a professional actor for eighteen years before joining Sgript Cymru as Literary Manager, then Associate Director with Sherman Cymru. I was Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive between 2011 and 2022. By now I am once again a freelance artist; an actor, director, writer and playwright, as well as a consultant and facilitator in the field.