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.
Board of the Arts Responsibilities
The members of this special Board, together with the director, set a strategic artistic direction for the Urdd, to ensure unforgettable experiences and opportunities in the field of the Arts for children and young people in Wales and beyond.
- Support the director and department staff to develop the department’s strategic plan and approve the final version.
- Review (together with the Department’s staff) the strategic aim of the Eisteddfod and the Arts Department.
- Ensure accountability by scrutinizing and monitoring the outputs and financial performance of the department.
- Sharing guidance and support in specific areas in the field of the Arts.
- Submit recommendations to the Board of Trustees of the Urdd.
Chair – Arwel Gruffydd
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.