Written Statement - Establishment, Membership and Remit of the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Task and Finish Group

At the National Eisteddfod in 2012 I raised the question of whether the Eisteddfod should look to modernise. I now intend to establish a Task and Finish Group to discuss options with a view to making recommendations to me on how this might be done. The task and finish group’s remit will not include a discussion on changing the Eisteddfod’s Welsh rule.

I am pleased that the following have agreed to be members of the group:

• Roy Noble, Chair 
• Peter Florence 
• Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM 
• Eirlys Pritchard Jones
• Sioned Wyn Roberts 
• Nia Parry 
• Bethan Elfyn
• Aran Jones 
• John Pritchard 
• Daniel Evans 
• Ali Yassine
• Sian Eirian

The group will be asked to consider:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Eisteddfod re-locating each year between North and South Wales and to new sites each time?  What would be the advantages and disadvantages of alternative models, for example, should the Eisteddfod be based around two permanent homes, one in North-West Wales, and one in West Wales, operating on a four-year cycle, with the other two years of the cycle, as now, involving  travelling between north and south Wales alternately;

• Whether permanent homes for the Eisteddfod could become the focus for economic stimulus in their local regions, drivers of cultural tourism, reflecting the best of the Welsh arts scene?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the model employed by the Eisteddfod for organising the Eisteddfod week and the competitive events during that week under the management of the Executive Committee and the Llys?  What would be the advantages and disadvantages of alternative models, for example, could the organisation of the Eisteddfod in future be delivered through separating the organisation of the National Eisteddfod week from the organisation of the competitive events during that week, to maximise the visitor experience and overall attraction of the Eisteddfod as one of Wales’s most significant cultural events?

• How best to maintain and support the commitment, enthusiasm and activity of volunteers across Wales?

• How to ensure that the media impact of the Eisteddfod is fully maximised in the digital era?

• How to ensure that the Eisteddfod offers a rich experience to new visitors, including from non-Welsh-speaking backgrounds, which may consider, for example, better sign posting, timetables of events and assistance with translation equipment?

• How the Urdd and the National Eisteddfod could more closely work together in the sharing of services and resources?

• How to maximise other sources of revenue for the Eisteddfod?

• How to increase visitor numbers on the Maes during the Eisteddfod week, specifically targeting young people and families.  

The group will take evidence from a variety of organisations, including broadcasters, the National Eisteddfod and the Urdd Eisteddfod. It will report to me in September 2013.