Issa named National Poet of Wales

Welsh-Iraqi poet Hanan Issa, a writer whose “words are like ribbons weaving languages and cultures together", has been named the new National Poet of Wales.

The role celebrates writing from Wales both at home and abroad. Run by Literature Wales, it aims to take poetry to new audiences and encourages others to use their creative voice to inspire positive change.

The post is a three-year term, running until 2025. Issa takes over the role from Ifor ap Glyn, who completes his tenure this summer. The news was announced on 6th July on BBC Radio 4’s "Front Row" programme.

In addition to her writing, Issa is also a filmmaker and artist. Her publications include the collection My Body Can House Two Hearts (Burning Eye) and Welsh (Plural): Essays on the Future of Wales (Repeater Books). Her winning monologue "With Her Back Straight" was performed at the Bush Theatre as part of the Hijabi Monologues project. She was also part of the writers’ room for Channel 4’s ground-breaking series "We Are Lady Parts" alongside its creator Nida Manzoor.

Issa is also co-founder of the Where I’m Coming From open mic series and was the recipient of the 2020 Ffilm Cymru/ BBC Wales commission for her short film "The Golden Apple", as well as a recipient of Literature Wales’ Representing Wales Award in 2021.

“Poetry exists in the bones of this country," she said. "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.”

Hanan will be Wales’ fifth National Poet. This time around, the appointment process began with a public call for nominations before shortlisted poets were interviewed by a selection panel. The panellists were Natalie Jerome, Curtis Brown literary agent and deputy chair of Literature Wales, former Bardd Plant Cymru (Welsh-language Children’s Poet Laureate) Casia Wiliam, agent for change at the Arts Council of Wales Andrew Ogun and Ashok Ahir, director of communications, president of the court and chair of the board of the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

On behalf of the panel, Ahir said: "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."

Joint interim c.e.o. of Literature Wales Claire Furlong added: “In Wales, our passion for poetry is proudly sung in our national anthem, ’Gwlad beirdd a chantorion’. At a time of increasing division and global insecurity, poetry can connect us to each other and help us make sense of the world. It can teach us how to imagine and respect the experiences of others and communicate complex ideas in a way that’s plain and relatable to our everyday lives.

"Each National Poet makes the role their own. We’ve enjoyed following Hanan’s fantastic and varied career over the years, and I can’t wait to see how Hanan will reflect and contribute to our national conversation during her time as our National Poet.”