In its second year, the Llais y Lle (Voice of Place) scheme is run by the Arts Council of Wales and funded by the National Lottery. The aim is to develop creative uses of the Welsh language though the provision of financial and practical support.

Funding is available for individuals or groups who have experience of working creatively with communities through the medium of Welsh. Applicants should think about presenting projects which focus on the language as well as promote local ownership of it.

Einir Sion, Welsh Language Enabler at the Arts Council of Wales, said: "The fund is available for people with forward-thinking and creative ideas to put Welsh at the heart of a project in their community. We’re looking for projects that have the potential to discover proactive ways of working and lay solid foundations for future development.

"There are no limits to the type of project we can support, only that they focus on the Welsh language and have the potential to foster and promote ownership of it within different communities."

A project from last year's scheme is led by Myfanwy Alexander from Montgomeryshire. She has been working with different groups of young people to encourage them to think about their relationship with the Welsh language through drama, film and music.

Commenting on her work, Myfanwy said: "Llais y Lle has given me the freedom to work with young people in new ways and lets them explore their relationship with the language and how it connects them to their roots. I've worked with Llanfair Caereinion Young Farmers Club, pupils from Welshpool High School and the Montgomeryshire Youth Theatre; it's been interesting to see the response of these different communities to the Welsh language.

"Without Llais y Lle, the project would not have been possible, I hope it has demonstrated the value of the language to young people in the area for the long term. I would encourage anyone with a creative idea or passion for developing the Welsh language to consider making an application to this year’s Llais y Lle fund."

The Arts Council of Wales is keen to ensure communities from across the country can benefit from the funding. So, applications from Caerphilly, Torfaen, north Powys, Anglesey, Denbigh, Conwy, Pembrokeshire, Swansea, and Blaenau Gwent in particular will be prioritised this year to encourage activity in new areas. However, applications from across Wales will be considered.

To learn more about the criteria and to apply for Llais y Lle funding, visit the Arts Council of Wales website. Applications will open between the 5th of February and the 1st of March – all projects are expected to start by May 2024.

On-line briefing events will be held to share additional information about Llais y Lle on the 6th and 8th of February. 

 

Join February the 6th at 6pm session here.

Join February the 8th at 5pm session here.

For information about Llais y Lle, contact Einir Sion, Welsh Language Enabler: einir.sion@celf.cymru