The visit forms part of Gwrando (Listening), Wales Arts International's international exchange programme delivered in the context of the United Nations International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The programme brings together festival presenters, cultural leaders, artists and language practitioners working with Indigenous and minoritised languages to explore how the arts can support language transmission, share approaches to common challenges, and begin building an international network of festivals and organisations committed to strengthening Indigenous languages through creativity and cultural exchange.
The National Eisteddfod provides a fitting setting for this international exchange. As one of Europe's oldest travelling festivals and one of the world's largest cultural festivals held through the medium of an Indigenous language, attracting around 170,000 visitors each year, it offers delegates a unique opportunity to experience how language, creativity and community come together in a living, evolving celebration of Welsh culture.
Representing Indigenous and minority language communities from North Turtle Island (the Indigenous name for North America), the Basque Country (Euskadi), Ireland, Scotland, Canada and Mexico, the delegation brings together festival directors, artists, cultural leaders and language practitioners united by a shared commitment to strengthening Indigenous and minority languages through the arts. The delegation will also include Anna Nsubuga, the UK's Ambassador to UNESCO, highlighting the international significance of the programme and Wales's contribution to global conversations around language, culture and heritage.