National Poet of Wales named
11 July 2022
Second Cardiff alumna takes celebrated role
Hanan Issa (English Literature, BA 2008) has been announced as the fifth National Poet of Wales by Literature Wales.
She follows in the footsteps of Ifor ap Glyn, Gillian Clarke (English Literature, BA 1958, Honorary 1984), Gwyn Thomas and Gwyneth Lewis, following public nominations and an extensive selection process.
The Welsh-Iraqi poet, film-maker and artist, whose words are “like ribbons weaving languages and cultures together” as described by Bardd Plant Cymru Casia Wiliam, takes on the challenging role of representing and celebrating writing from Wales both at home and abroad.
As National Poet of Wales, she will represent the diverse cultures and languages of Wales and act as an ambassador for the people of Wales. She will address the most important issues of our time through poetry, take poetry to new audiences, and encourage others to use their creative voice to inspire positive change.
As National Poet of Wales, she will represent the diverse cultures and languages of Wales and act as an ambassador for the people of Wales. She will address the most important issues of our time through poetry, take poetry to new audiences, and encourage others to use their creative voice to inspire positive change.
Hanan’s poetry includes collection My Body Can House Two Hearts (Burning Eye Books, 2019) and her contribution to Welsh (Plural): Essays on the Future of Wales (Repeater Books, 2022) and The Mab (Unbound, 2022).
She co-founded the Cardiff open-mic night Where I’m Coming From with PhD Creative Writing student Durre Shahwar and has worked with the Bush Theatre, Channel 4 and Ffilm Cymru/BBC Wales.
Taking up her three-year tenure, Hanan said:
“Poetry exists in the bones of this country. I want people to recognise Wales as a country bursting with creativity: a land of poets and singers with so much to offer the arts. I’d like to continue the great work of my predecessors in promoting Wales, Welshness, and the Welsh language outside of its borders. More than anything, I want to capture the interest and inspiration of the public to see themselves in Welsh poetry and encourage a much more open sense of what Welshness is.”
On news of the announcement, Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, and Chief Whip said:
“I am delighted to welcome Hanan Issa to the role of National Poet of Wales. She will act as a cultural ambassador for Wales, and I look forward to hearing her verse and how she responds to events during her tenure.”
Judge panellist Ashok Ahir added:
“The panel had to choose between a varied range of poetic styles and voices, and it was excellent to see the high level of talent working in Wales today. This is a hugely exciting appointment. Hanan’s is a cross-community voice that speaks to every part of the country. She will be a great ambassador for a culturally diverse and outward looking nation.”