Guest Article – Eisteddfod Genedlaethol
CONCEPT
We invite people to express an interest in designing and creating the National Eisteddfod Crown. It will be presented to the winner of one of the Eisteddfod’s most prestigious poetic competition, which will be held in Wrexham between 2-9 August 2025. Elin Haf Davies is sponsoring the Eisteddfod Crown in 2025, and therefore will arrange a contract for the successful candidate in due course.
The Crown is one of the main prestigious prizes at the Eisteddfod, and the design and construction should be of the highest standard. It will receive public exposure, with the Crown being a presented during a televised ceremony at the Eisteddfod. Therefore the final design presented will need to be approved by the Executive Gorsedd Board before any work can commence (the meeting will be held at the end of October 2024).
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DESIGN CRITERIA
The creation must celebrate and be inspired by the landscape, culture and history of Wrexham whilst also taking into consideration environmental change.
The following MUST be included in the design:
- /|\ The Secret Note (Nod Cyfrin). It should be placed in a prominent and dignified place
- The official name of the Eisteddfod which is:
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Wrecsam 2025Note: No other words are allowed
• The Crown should be completed by 11 April 2025
Y NOD CYFRIN /|\
The Secret Sign /|\ or the Sign of the Light Ray is a symbol invented by Iolo Morganwg to represent Love, Justice and the Truth. However, Iolo himself made little use of the symbol, and it did not become popular until after his death. It was first seen on the Proclamation Scroll in Cardiff, 1833: by 1850, it could be seen on throne banners and from around 1860 ON members’ certificates. By the end of the century it was considered the approved symbol of Gorsedd y Beirdd, and appeared on its programmes, the new flag and sometimes even on the Gorsedd Stones. By the 1950s, it was decided that the symbol must be included on each the Eisteddfod Chairs and Crowns design. (www.eisteddfod.cymru)
BUDGET AND PROJECT TIMETABLE
The budget for the design and creation of the Crown is up to £3,000 to be paid in three instalments on receipt of a detailed budget and invoice:
- Stage 1 – Vision and draft plan and approval by all stakeholder: Payment of 33% at the end of October 2024
- 2nd Payment of 33% at the end of December 2024
- Stage 3 – Completion of the Crown: final payment once completed and approved by the School and the Eisteddfod. An official photo of the crown must be arranged soon after 11 April 2025
SCHEDULE
- Applications must be submitted before 17:00 on 21 October 2024
- Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be held either on Thursday 24 or Friday 25 October 2024
- Provide and present the initial vision/concept and draft plan ready for the interview
- The winning design will need to be approved by the Gorsedd Board at the end of October 2024
- The Crown will need to be completed by April 11 2025
- Please note that the successful candidate will be required to keep a digital record of the creation to assist with promotion and marketing throughout the creation process. The Eisteddfod communication team will liaise with the media.
- Official Presentation of the Crown: The crown will be presented to the Eisteddfod Executive Committee in a special press launch night during mid-June 2025 (the successful candidate will be required to attend)
- The Crowning Ceremony is on Monday 4 August 2025.
- Once completed, the successful candidate should provide various standard photos of the crown to be included in the official Eisteddfod Program.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your application via email to Elin Haf Davies elin@elinhafdavies.co.uk before 17:00 on 21 October 2024
Remember to include the following:
- Your name and contact details
- Biography, including examples (e.g. sketches, photographs) of previous work
- Propose a vision/concept (no more than 500 words) with initial concept and designs. Images must be included to compliment the draft plan, information regarding the materials used (the environmental mindset), inspiration and so on.
- Detailed information regarding the estimated budget in advance
- Contact details of two previous clients who can provide a reference
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to make a 10 minute presentation on Zoom/Teams, and take part in a short discussion with a panel. The panel which will consist of Elin Haf and the Eisteddfod Artistic Director and/or Competitions Manager on either 24 or 25 October
Please contact steffan@eisteddfod.cymru if you have any questions.
