Nia Morais named as new Bardd Plant Cymru

Literature Wales unveiled the new Bardd Plant Cymru Nia Morais at a special event at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Thursday.

Bardd Plant Cymru is a national role which aims to spark imagination and inspire the children of Wales through poetry.

Nia’s appointment was announced on the Arddorfa stage at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery on Thursday 1 June. The ceremony was chaired by Dafydd Lennon, one of the presenters of Cyw on S4C. Nia spoke about her hopes in taking on the role, and there was a contribution from the current Bardd Plant Cymru, Casi Wyn.

Nia Morais is a writer and playwright from Cardiff. Her work often focuses on self image, mental health and magic. She graduated from Cardiff University with a Masters Degree in Creative Writing. In 2020, she released her first audio play, Crafangau, as part of Sherman Theatre’s Heart of Cardiff project. Nia is currently Writer in Residence at Sherman Theatre and her first full play Imrie, co-produced by Frân Wen and Sherman Theatre, is touring Wales over the summer of 2023. Nia was a member of the Tir na n-Og Awards judging panel in 2021, and also part of the Literature Wales’ Representing Wales writers development programme the same year. Nia writes for children and adults.

The Bardd Plant Cymru project is led by Literature Wales with the support of the Welsh Government, S4C, the Welsh Books Council and Urdd Gobaith Cymru. It was established in 2000, since when 17 poets have undertaken the role. The role is awarded every two years to a Welsh poet who is passionate about ensuring that more children and young people discover the thrill and power of literature through the medium of Welsh.

Every Bardd Plant Cymru is committed to:

Expanding children’s and young people’s access to Welsh literature, specifically children and young people from marginalised backgrounds and backgrounds that are underrepresented;