What are your connections with Celtic people, languages, music and culture?
This year, the spotlight is on Wales as we host and support a number of events as part of Showcase Scotland and Celtic Connections. We're asking you to join us in sharing your Celtic connections, whatever that may mean to you, through the hashtag #PethauBychain across social platforms.
Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International begins the journey for us, as we connect with our Celtic sisters and brothers across the world.
Mine is a life journey. Rooted in my own Cynefin (habitat and more!) and yet formed by its relationship with the world.
I am excited to be part of the Wales Team at Celtic Connections, preparing to showcase some of the best contemporary music from Wales digitally at Showcase Scotland and Celtic Connections Festival.
Whilst like all involved, I'm gutted for the artists and audiences that this can sadly only be done digitally, I'm very proud of what we are preparing - something you'll be able to see in its entirety with a Celtic Connections digital festival pass. And it is so worth it, I promise! It's like a sonic hot water bottle: an ever-necessary item in the cold crisp months of January and February.
This is my first post of many that I will write about my Celtic cultural identity, and it's lens on the world and on the world in Wales.
And what is 'Celtic-ness' anyway…and what is my relationship with a term which I wear like the 'European' badge these days?
It is a badge of honour, respect, nostalgia and grievance. Yet to this day, like the European label, the Celtic badge is frowned upon by many locally here in Wales and in other Celtic nations.
I still get challenged for speaking Welsh to my kids in Wales…even by people I like!
I also get smirks from people who believe that Wales is less Celtic than Ireland or Scotland, but probably more than Cornwall or Brittany. Even the Welsh ourselves are cynical of the Celtic badge, and are caught in a complex set of relationships and perceptions that come from an imperialistic hangover.
In 2022 however it is time to explore all of this….and I will need your help.
Please respond, discover and share amazing Celtic contemporary art and sounds and musicians of all kind with friends, colleagues and loved ones. Please do buy their art...they like all artists need your support in return for the pleasure of discovering their music.
I will be creating my own Celtic 2022 soundtrack which I'll share over the course of the next 7 weeks, with a dedicated song to some of those who I mention..
My first really close friend from another Celtic nation is my dearest original Glaswegian pal Andrew Mulholland, whom I met at the age of 16, in Atlantic College, and who wonderfully is back in the Vale.
Also, a shout-out to other Celts of various degrees and heritage at Atlantic College: Carla Stephen, Jane Rafter, Vicki O'Donnell, Robin Jenkins, Graham Da Gama Howells, Sian Morgan Horatio, Clare Martha Howells, and Ceri Llewelyn.
The next group of Irish, Scottish, Cornish, Brettons and Galicians I met was in Brussels, and that will be a beast of a post next week in memory of my one and only neighbour Donald MacInnes.
Donald was the first to introduce me to Celtic Connections and to incredible Celts from across Europe. And with whom I'd meet every year to listen to some of the best Celtic talent. In particular, he loved Gwyneth Glyn's music, and I'm sad he won't get to hear the showcase I'm supporting in his memory.
But more about that next week.
Share your Celtic connections with us across social media with #PethauBychain