We left Wales on the 25th of January to take part in Showcase Scotland 2023 as part of the Spotlight Cymru Showcase bringing Cerys Hafana, Gwilym Bowen Rhys and Vrii to showcase before festivals, agents and bookers from 28 nations.
Over two hours on Thursday, Aneirin Jones, Cerys Hafana, Gwen Mairi, Gwilym Bowen Rhys, Jordan Price Williams, Patrick Rimes and Osian Gruffydd blew away the cobwebs from how others see us with performances that drew cries of surprise in Glasgow’s Drygate Venue.
GARY RAYMOND wrote in the Western Mail: “”Some of the most exciting young artists….They showed that Welsh folk music is in fine fettle, that it is urgent, vital and raw, and, most importantly, its future is very much in safe hands”
Every one of those artists have been through our development projects, beginning with the Arbrawf Mawr, 10 Mewn Bws, Dros y Ffin, Gwerin Gwallgo and AVANC.
Although this is part of an evolving partnership, bringing Trac Cymru together with Wales Arts International, Mwldan, Focus Wales, Tŷ Cerdd, Welsh Government, Galeri, Disability Arts and others, it also hinges on long years of attending conferences and letting people know about our small leaf on the tree of human experience.
Over the past two years this partnership has created a mentoring programme for musicians on the Long List, engaged professional representation for the bands, helped to create digital support packages in case COVID shut the in person event and developed a global network of supportive bookers, businesses and music professionals across the globe!
We’re extremely proud of our part in bringing Wales’ voices before the world and celebrate with our partners the success of this long-held ambition to see our artists and music businesses making the world a better place.
