Nia Morais is the next Bardd Plant Cymru
A poet who encourages children to “play with the Welsh language” and
whose “passion for identity and encouraging others to respect their self-
image is infectious” is the next to take on this prestigious role.
On Thursday 1 June at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery, Literature Wales announced that
poet and scriptwriter, Nia Morais has been selected as the next Bardd Plant Cymru, taking
the baton from the current post-holder, Casi Wyn, in September.
Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-language Children’s Poet Laureate) is a national role which aims
to spark imagination and inspire the children of Wales through poetry. The 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 and 17 poets have now 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.
About Nia Morais
Nia Morais is a writer and playwright from Cardiff. She writes for children and adults, and her
work often focuses on self-image, mental health, and magic. Nia is currently a 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.
As Bardd Plant Cymru, Nia’s main objective is to ensure that there are more opportunities for
children and young people to discuss and write about topics that are crucial to them, and
rare in Welsh literature. She is passionate about proving that the Welsh language belongs to
everyone, championing individuality and encouraging positivity and respect towards our self-
image.
Nia Morais, Bardd Plant Cymru 2023-2-25 said: “I’m so proud to be Bardd Plant Cymru and
I can’t wait to get started. I feel very excited to return to the world of poetry after some time
away, and very grateful to be able to share my time with the young people of Wales.
I love working with young people – it’s very satisfying and I get a lot of inspiration from
seeing what interests them. I love writing poetry and hope to be able to create great work
with the young people of Wales.”
Bardd Plant Cymru and Children’s Laureate Wales
This announcement is the culmination of a recruitment process led by Literature Wales for
both the Bardd Plant Cymru and Children’s Laureate Wales roles. Writers were welcomed to
apply, and a shortlist was interviewed and delivered trial workshops for schoolchildren, who
fed in their opinions to the selection panels. Joining two of Literature Wales’ staff memberson the selection panel for Bardd Plant Cymru was Ciarán Eynon, Chaired Poet of the Urdd
Eisteddfod 2022; Dafydd Lennon, poet and presenter of Cyw, S4C’s provision for children;
Bethan Mai Jones, Head of the Children’s Books department of the Books Council of Wales.
Trial workshops were held with pupils at Ysgol Ciliau Parc, Lampeter.
Literature Wales will announce the name of the next Children’s Laureate Wales at the Hay
Festival on Friday 2 June.
Claire Furlong, Executive Director of Literature Wales
Claire Furlong, Executive Director of Literature Wales said: “Being introduced to creative
writing and reading early in life can instil a life-long passion for literature. The Bardd Plant
Cymru and Children’s Laureate Wales projects introduce children and young people to
exciting, talented, and inspiring writers at the top of their game. Both Nia and the new
Children’s Laureate Wales has a clear vision for their tenure, and we look forward to seeing
them make these roles their own. Not only are they fantastic role models, they also gift
children the tools to express themselves creatively and immerse themselves in the
joyfulness words can provide.”
Bethan Mai Jones, Head of the Children’s Books department of the Books Council
Bethan Mai Jones, Head of the Children’s Books department of the Books Council of
Wales, and member of the Selection Panel said: “It was a joy to see Nia encourage and
inspire the pupils so well whilst leading the workshop. From the very beginning, there were
fresh and exciting ideas, and she made quite an impression as she encouraged the children
to venture and play with the Welsh language. She has a strong vision and her passion for
identity and encouraging others to respect their self-image is infectious. As a result, an
enthusiastic response was had when the children experimented with composing short pieces
of writing, and they were eager to share these with the rest of the class. We wish her the
best and look forward to working together soon.”
