Tori Sillman, Digital Content Officer
This month was packed with insightful moments that serve as a constant reminder how important working in Welsh can be. One highlight was sitting down with Barry and Chris from Cardiff University’s branding team, their expertise in design, messaging and bilingual branding was refreshing, making me think further about how language shape’s identity within regional organisations.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Nick Yeo from Sgwrsio. Hearing about his Welsh learner journey and how he’s encouraging others to engage with Cymraeg was super inspiring. His passion for debunking the intimidating side of speaking Welsh to make it accessible to all is truly great.
Lastly, watching S4C’s Y Llais has been so eye opening to the greater potential of Welsh language music. Blinded by nostalgia, I will always be a lifelong Avril Lavigne fan, I didn’t know I needed to hear “I’m With You” in Welsh but here we are - My heart was full!
Pob lwc to the amazing Anna and Liam in the final! They are killin’ it, and deserve all the flowers (or rather, daffodils).”
John Evans, Events and Projects Officer
Working bilingually is essential in my work and my creative practice. I am passionate about not just being a creative, but being a Welsh and Wales-based creative. I want to shout from the castle about the people, stories, and talent we have right here on our doorstep – it’s what puts the spring in my step! or the leek in my soup rather...
In march, I was thrilled to launch the first GORWEL event in partnership with Lone Worlds. The event featured local alternative musician Neo Ukandu, focusing on music production. Lone Worlds champions bilingual content, and it was fantastic to create an event that was both bilingual and inclusive for everyone.
I also had the opportunity to speak with the writer, director, and cast of the new touring play STILL HERE. This powerful production brings Welsh voices to the stage, offering a uniquely Welsh narrative. One of the most compelling aspects of the play is how it reflects real lived experiences and explores identity within a Welsh context, especially as one of the characters navigates learning Welsh – something that resonates with many in our community. As STILL HERE tours across South Wales, it highlights the importance of platforming emerging Welsh voices in theatre, creating space for stories that feel authentic and deeply rooted in the realities of contemporary Wales. It’s a reminder of how vital it is to tell our own stories, in our own voices.
Like Carys and Tori, I have also been indulging in Y Llais this month. I am constantly in awe of the incredible musical talent we have here in Wales. It’s been a busy but inspiring month – iechyd da!
Carys Bradley-Roberts, Creative Cardiff Manager
The Welsh language is more than a unique cultural asset; it’s part of my identity. I was educated in Welsh, I speak to my family in Welsh, my first word was in Welsh, I had my first pint in Welsh; it’s home and it’s when I feel most myself. It’s vitally important that creatives in Wales have opportunities to work and live our lives in Welsh, but it’s also important that everyone feels like they can embrace, use and celebrate the language, not just those who come from Welsh speaking backgrounds like me.
At the start of the month, we hosted a workshop on ‘communicating bilingually’ for students, facilitated by Media Cymru’s Jess Raby. Jess is a Welsh learner and her passion for encouraging others to embrace the language is infectious. She shared examples of organisations who embrace bilingualism innovatively and creatively in their marketing, including Football Association of Wales (@cymru) and Transport for Wales, finding ways to weave the Welsh language in copy without being exclusionary or tokenistic.
The brilliant Dr Helen Davies, bilingual screen professional who works at Welsh TV and Film production company Triongl, delivered an insightful talk at our Creative Cuppa / Paned i Ysbrydoli. Helen talked about the process of creating bilingual content, particularly back-to-back productions (examples include Y Gwyll / Hinterland and Un Bore Mercher / Keeping Faith) and innovative technology which is supporting cast and crew to work on Welsh productions. Diolch o galon Helen, and diolch to all attendees for their questions, comments and insights.
Along with these Creative Cardiff highlights, I’ve also been watching, reading and listening to Welsh creatives throughout the month! Highlights include watching Gruff Rhys’ Amercian Interior show at The Sustainable Studio, going to see Melin Melyn at Tramshed, getting really hooked on Y Llais (and getting my non-Welsh speaking partner hooked on Y Llais) and listening to Adwaith’s new double album.
Edrych ‘mlaen at wrando a gwylio mwy o gynnwys Cymraeg mis nesaf!
