Investigating the Role of Eisteddfodau in Creating and Transmitting Cultural Value in Wales and beyond

In spite of the growing body of research examining the values of culture and the arts, there has been little if any research looking specifically at the values of traditional cultural events such as Eisteddfodau. Indeed, the most relevant research in this area dates back to the 1970s. Particularly lacking is research on the contribution of cultural consumption to the promotion of elements of culture such as traditional music, dance, literature, performance and visual arts. Nor has there been significant research on the role of such events in sustaining minority languages. The research will focus on two Eisteddfodau, which hold many contrasts in terms of the cultural values they hold. The National Eisteddfod of Wales (Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru) welcomes around 160,000 visitors each year and was first held in its current format in 1861 (although the tradition itself can be traced back to 1176). The National Eisteddfod runs annually each August, usually for eight days, and comprises a vast number of events and competitions. Indeed, the audience is very broad, with many cultural forms included. This Eisteddfod moves around Wales, alternating between the north and the south of the country, thereby impacting on different local communities each time. Its aims are to promote culture, linguistics and citizenship in conjunction with local economic stimulation (http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk). In contrast, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen) has approximately 120,000 visitors per year, taking place always in Llangollen for six days in July. These visitors come from all over the world. Established in 1947, with participants from over 50 nations taking part, the International Eisteddfod aims to promote culture and world peace (http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/). The proposed research will be innovative in two major respects. First, the project seeks to reconceptualise the way in which cultural values are understood. Rather than to view cultural values as a reflection of the 'worth' of the cultural activity to the economy, the approach adopted seeks to determine the worth of the cultural activity more broadly in terms of peoples' individual and national identities, social capital formation and use, cultural diversity and understanding, and the promotion of cultural forms such as those practiced at Eisteddfodau (including the use of the Welsh language). As such, the project speaks to three components of value: (1) reflective individuals and engaged society, (2) urban regeneration and community dynamics and (3) understanding the context of international relationships. Secondly, the project will evaluate such values empirically using two Eisteddfodau that have contrasting purposes, formats, participants and audiences. Comparison of these two Eisteddfodau will help gain a better understanding of how people define their identity, their role in society and their sense of belonging in a community through their cultural consumption. For example, the International Eisteddfod is held every year at Llangollen, yet the National Eisteddfod is hosted in different locations around the country. The participant/visitor effects on local communities are likely to be different as a result. Both Eisteddfodau also have 'qualifying' heats in the regions of Wales in the case of the National Eisteddfod, or different nations in the case of the International Eisteddfod. With regard to understanding how cultural is promoted to national and international audiences, the use of two Eisteddfodau are also likely to be very different. Indeed, the two Eisteddfodau have markedly different audiences, with the International Eisteddfod having a worldwide audience and participation emphasis, while the National Eisteddfod has a mainly Welsh focus. This allows the effects of participation and consumption to be compared and contrasted at the two different levels.