Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre is Literature Wales’ new Headquarters
Literature Wales’ new official home is in Gwynedd, a county rich in culture and the arts. This formal change will see the first of Wales’ national companies plant their roots in the north, with the other seven based in south Wales – the majority in Cardiff with the exception of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, based in Carmarthen.
Since our inception in 2011, our headquarters has been in Cardiff Bay, and our office in the Glyn Jones Centre, Wales Millennium Centre, will remain open, offering a working space to our staff members based in the capital.
Tŷ Newydd was established as the National Writing Centre of Wales in 1990, and has welcomed hundreds of writers from Wales and further afield to creative writing courses and writing retreats ever since. Many notable writers have discovered their creative voices at the centre, and countless others have been provided opportunities to develop their skills as professional tutors and enjoy teaching the craft to others.
Tŷ Newydd has been part of Literature Wales since the Centre merged with Academi – the writers’ development organisation – just over a decade ago to create the new unified national organisation. The centre is already a permanent office for almost half our workforce.
Ty Newydd is a very distinctive building, and holds grade II* listed status. It was originally built in the fifteenth century, but exceptional architectural modifications were added in the Georgian period and the front of the house was transformed into the magnificent facade seen today. The house was redesigned again in the 1940s by the famous Portmeirion architect, Clough Williams Ellis, for the former Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, and his second wife Frances Stevenson. Lloyd George died in Tŷ Newydd in 1945, and several features from his time in residence here remain very evident in the centre including the light-fittings in the library, and a pink sink in Frances’ bedroom.
Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn, Leader of Gwynedd Council said: “This corner of Eifionydd has a rich history, and I’m confident that the news that Literature Wales is moving its headquarters to the county is the beginning of a new chapter in its story.
I welcome the fact that this notable organisation has decided to make this county its formal home, underlining the fact that Gwynedd is a wonderful place to work. I’m sure this will reinforce the cultural sector in the area, and that it will be a further boost to the rural economy here.”
Liz Saville Roberts MP and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: “This is exceptionally exciting news that is to be welcomed. We are extremely pleased that Literature Wales has chosen Dwyfor as the new home of its headquarters, especially as this new home is Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy – a location with such rich history and a fantastic reputation for developing literary talent both in Wales and beyond.
It is a matter of pride that Literature Wales is expanding its roots here in Gwynedd, setting an important precedent to develop the artistic and cultural offer that enriches this county. We trust that this news will lead to the protection and development of local job opportunities together with strengthening the appeal of the area as a popular destination for writers, poets and indeed, anyone interested in the art of writing. With preparations for the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod in full swing, this exciting news lays a solid foundation for developing what Gwynedd has to offer in terms of artistic culture. We look forward to officially welcoming Literature Wales to Dwyfor.”
Councillor Rhys Tudur, who represents Llanystumdwy on Gwynedd Council, said, “I am extremely pleased that Tŷ Newydd is to be designated as the Headquarters of Literature Wales, relocating from the capital to rural Dwyfor. It will be an economic and cultural boost for the area and stimulate more interest in Welsh culture. The timing is perfect considering that the National Eisteddfod is coming to Llŷn and Eifionydd next year.”
Leusa Llewelyn, Artistic Director of Literature Wales, who has worked from the Centre for seven years, says, “Tŷ Newydd represents our values as an organisation. It is welcoming and warm, and its doors are always wide open. Our vision is a Wales that empowers, improves and brightens lives through literature, and we look forward to continuing that vision from a location that is very dear to our staff, our authors, and the various communities related to our work. We look forward to having an even closer working relationship with the community in Llanystumdwy, and to carry out literature projects for health and well-being, giving something back to the village and the wider area that supports us.”
Tŷ Newydd runs one-day, residential and digital courses for writers at every stage of their career, and in many different forms and genres: from poetry to prose, from creative non-fiction to writing about nature. Bursaries are available for writers who cannot pay course fees, and discounts for local residents. In addition to commercial courses, a program of strategic courses runs annually, offering free courses to individuals who are underrepresented in the literary world. Tŷ Newydd is also home to local writing and reading groups, welcomes schools, and delivers literature projects for health for well-being.