the review

PATAGONIA 150
THE CELEBRATION
YEAR IN REVIEW
www.patagonia150.org/en
PATAGONIA 150: THE
CELEBRATION YEAR IN REVIEW
A review of the activity that took place in 2015 as part of the 150th anniversary of the
Welsh settlement of Patagonia
COMMISSIONED BY BRITISH COUNCIL WALES
WRITTEN BY DR JESSICA MORDSLEY
APRIL 2016
Cover image: Marcelo Andrés Roberts
FRONT COVER OF DIARIO EL CHUBUT, TRELEW, ARGENTINA, 28 JULY 2015 (PHOTO: MARY GODWARD)
CONTENTS
Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. 4
About this report.................................................................................................................... 5
The evaluation process ..................................................................................................... 5
Report structure................................................................................................................. 6
Introduction: Y Wladfa ........................................................................................................... 7
History and myth ............................................................................................................... 7
Today’s reality ................................................................................................................... 7
The 150th Anniversary Celebration Year................................................................................ 8
The British Council’s role and aims.................................................................................... 9
Patagonia 150 Digital ..................................................................................................... 9
Objectives .................................................................................................................... 10
Advisory group ................................................................................................................ 10
Timeline of activities ........................................................................................................ 11
Examples of Major Projects................................................................................................. 13
BBC National Orchestra of Wales Tour and Residency................................................ 13
{150}: Theatre Production and Film (Galesa) ............................................................... 14
Mimosa: Theatr Clwyd and Urdd Gobaith Cymru Theatre Production .......................... 15
People’s Collection Wales: Workshops and Training ................................................... 16
Tŷ Cerdd: National Youth choir of Wales Tour and Composer Exchange .................... 17
‘Our Journey to the New World’ Exhibition and Patagonia Weekend at the National
Waterfront Museum, Swansea. .................................................................................... 18
BBC Coverage and First Minister Visit ......................................................................... 20
Other Projects ..................................................................................................................... 21
Activities .......................................................................................................................... 21
Funding ........................................................................................................................... 22
Reasons for taking part ................................................................................................... 23
Number of people involved .............................................................................................. 24
Immediate impact ............................................................................................................ 25
Public response ............................................................................................................... 26
Differences in Welsh- and English-language projects ...................................................... 26
Change in perceptions, attitudes and understanding ....................................................... 27
Learning .............................................................................................................................. 28
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Unique Patagonian identity .............................................................................................. 28
Partnerships and working together .................................................................................. 28
The importance of planning ............................................................................................. 28
Flexible and tailored communication ................................................................................ 29
Sufficient time and resources .......................................................................................... 29
Political context ............................................................................................................... 29
Legacy ................................................................................................................................ 30
Inspiration........................................................................................................................ 30
Connections .................................................................................................................... 30
Public awareness ............................................................................................................ 30
Institutional and political awareness ................................................................................ 31
relationship between British Council Wales and British Council Argentina ....................... 31
Welsh language............................................................................................................... 31
Education ........................................................................................................................ 32
Music ............................................................................................................................... 32
Objectives, impacts, and KPIs (Table) ................................................................................ 32
Thanks to the British Council............................................................................................... 34
Appendices ......................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix 1: Web links and Press .................................................................................... 34
Appendix 2: Other material consulted .............................................................................. 36
Appendix 3: Arts Outcomes ............................................................................................. 37
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 1865, a group of about 160 Welsh people sailed from Liverpool to begin a new life in
Patagonia. They settled in the Chubut Valley in Southern Argentina, and called their new
land Y Wladfa (‘the settlement’). Over the subsequent years, many more settlers joined
them, and founded Patagonia’s first towns and farms.
From the earliest contact with Patagonia in the 19th century, it has always been a place of
great cultural significance for people from Wales, inspiring dreams, imagination, and stories.
Today, although few ‘purely’ Welsh people remain, a significant proportion of Patagonian
people have some Welsh heritage, and the sense of connection to Wales remains strong.
As well as the towns of Trelew, Gaiman, and Dolavon in the Chubut Valley, there are also
Welsh-Argentinean settlements in the Andes, where the main towns are Trevelin and
Esquel. There are two Welsh/Spanish bilingual schools in Patagonia, as well as Welshmedium nursery schools. A number of eisteddfodau are held throughout the region,
including the main Eisteddfod y Wladfa, which is held every October, and the youth
Eisteddfod in September.
The centenary of the Welsh settlement in 1965 was marked with a number of events and
activities and had a long-lasting legacy in the region, particularly in terms of strengthening
the Welsh language and establishing Welsh-medium education.
The 150th anniversary, in 2015, was seen by many as a unique opportunity to revisit,
reaffirm, and renew those links, as well as create new connections and partnerships.
The British Council, at the request of the Welsh Government, coordinated a year of events
and activities that celebrated the cultural, historical, and linguistic links between the two
regions.
A large-scale, diverse, and wide-ranging programme of activity took place throughout the
year, including multinational orchestral tours, workshops and training, political delegations,
historical exhibitions, theatrical productions, and even a new world record (for the longestdistance vocal duet!).
Many different organisations were involved, from national arts companies to local community
associations, and there were projects on all scales, from international projects such as the
BBC National Orchestra of Wales residency and concert tour, and the epic multimedia sitespecific theatre production {150}, to small-scale exhibitions, schools workshops, and
community projects.
Projects of all sizes succeeded due to the dedication, goodwill, and passion of those
involved. This reflected the very special meaning that Patagonia holds for the people of
Wales.
There was also a great deal of press and broadcast media interest, both in Argentina and
the UK. Through programmes such as Huw Edwards’ documentary on the history of
Patagonia, in both Welsh and English, and live coverage of the First Minister’s visit in July
2015, many thousands of people learned more about the story of Patagonia and the history
of Welsh language, culture, and people in the region, as well as their lives today. Press and
media raised the visibility of Patagonia in Wales, and vice versa.
4
The British Council and Welsh Government together contributed £100,000 over two years
towards the celebration year. British Council Wales also contributed approximately £30,000
to specific projects. An advisory group with representatives of key Welsh cultural and
political organisations helped to coordinate the year’s activities. There was a generous spirit
and attitude towards sharing knowledge and working together.
Some of the most important impacts that the programme had for participating individuals and
organisations included developing new audiences, raising their profile, and helping them to
form new partnerships and working relationships with partners both abroad and in the UK.
78% of individuals and organisations surveyed said that Patagonia 150 had attracted new
audiences, while 72% said that the celebrations had raised their/their organisation’s profile
and given them increased publicity.
Participants and audiences were inspired to learn more, and many new artistic and personal
connections were created. 56% of individuals and organisations had either formed new
partnerships with partners in the UK, formed new partnerships with partners overseas,
and/or visited new places.
All respondents agreed that the Patagonia 150 year had made an impact on the public in
Wales, and 83% of respondents agreed that understanding of the relationship between
Patagonia and Wales had improved among participating individuals and organisations.
67% of respondents thought that those who participated were now more ready and willing to
form relationships with audiences and organisations overseas, and the same number believe
that the celebration year would make a long-term impact on them or their organisation.
The foundations have now been laid to strengthen and deepen the relationship and the
benefits for all concerned. How exactly it will develop remains to be seen, but the links have
been sustained and renewed and can now be built upon.
ABOUT THIS REPORT
THE EVALUATION PROCESS
This review was commissioned by the British Council, and researched and written by an
independent evaluator.
The following people were interviewed for this report:
1. Tim Baker, Associate Director, Theatr Clwyd and Artistic Director of Clwyd Theatr
Cymru Theatre for Young People
2. Walter Ariel Brooks, Patagonia 150 coordinator, British Council Wales
3. Michelle Carwardine-Palmer, Managing Director, National Theatre Wales
4. Lowri Rhys Davies, Producer, BBC Cymru/Wales
5. Ifona Deeley, Head of International Relations, European and External Affairs, Welsh
Government
6. Mary Godward, Country Director, British Council Argentina
5
7. Suzanne Hay, Head of Learning and Partnerships, BBC National Orchestra of Wales
8. Steph Mastoris, Head of National Waterfront Museum
9. Marc Phillips, Chair of the 150 Celebration Committee, Wales Argentina Society
10. Marc Rees, Playwright, 150
11. Eleri Mai Thomas, Youth Officer, Urdd Gobaith Cymru
12. Hazel Thomas, Community Engagement Officer, People’s Collection Wales
13. Gwyn Williams, Director, Tŷ Cerdd
In addition, 24 people and organisations who had organised events completed an online
survey (13 in Welsh and 11 in English).
The evaluator also read background material, including blogs, evaluation reports and
presentations, press articles, and online reports. Details of these are given in the
bibliography.
REPORT STRUCTURE
This report begins by introducing the history of Welsh Patagonia, its significance for people
in Wales and Argentina, and the importance of the 150th anniversary year.
It then outlines the advisory group, and the activities that took place, and the British
Council’s objectives for coordinating the Patagonia year.
As this was an entire year of activities independently organised by individuals and
organisations, it can’t be assessed in terms of a single list of objectives and outcomes or a
comprehensive enumeration of activity. Instead, it aims to capture an overall sense of the
impacts and legacy of the year’s activities.
The report looks at seven major projects in detail and considers the main impacts of each
one. Statistics and feedback from the survey of smaller organisations are then explored.
Finally, the report discusses the impacts, learning, and legacies of the entire year of
activities, and looks ahead to the future.
Relevant web links, a sample list of press articles, and a bibliography of material consulted
are appended to this report.
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INTRODUCTION: Y WLADFA
HISTORY AND MYTH
In 1865, a group of about 160 Welsh people sailed from Liverpool to begin a new life in
Patagonia, where the Argentinean government had given them land. They settled in the
Chubut Valley in Southern Argentina, and called their new land Y Wladfa. Over the
subsequent years, many more settlers joined them, and founded Patagonia’s first towns and
farms.
From the earliest contact with Patagonia in the 19th century, it has always been a place of
great cultural and imaginary significance for people from Wales:
A couple of key people who were at the front of the mission to, almost in a
Biblical way, find your own land and settle your own community, met with the
Argentinean government who said, “you can have a bit of Patagonia”.
Somehow, the idea that it was a paradise full of greenery and fantastic arable
land got into the minds of the settlers, but in fact it was pretty rough and arid.
The dream was self-government, speaking and worshipping in our own
language. – Tim Baker
The migrants’ settlement of Patagonia, their encounters with the indigenous people, and
irrigation and cultivation of the land has all the ingredients of a classic romantic story. It
remains a source of inspiration and fascination for many people in Wales:
We did some audience research right at the start, and found that people were
very interested in this unique and important part of Welsh history: an
incredible story with adventure, heartbreak, heroism. It’s a gift for creative
programme makers and content makers. – Lowri Rhys Davies
This idea that there’s a settlement across the Atlantic where Welsh is seen as
a positive language and Welshness as a positive heritage, for people in
Wales it’s a dream come true. Even for those who are not Welsh speakers,
Patagonia is a romantic region of the world; you get this idea of a wild place,
where you can ‘go West’ and reinvent yourself, and there’s a bit of Welshness
there. It’s a very appealing idea. – Walter Ariel Brooks
Individuals have many other reasons for feeling attached to Patagonia, whether that is their
own personal experiences, a sense of mutual ‘belonging’, or an interest in specific historical
or cultural knowledge.
It’s something very innate, deep within our psyche .We just feel that they
belong to us and we belong to them. – Hazel Thomas
TODAY’S REALITY
While the Welsh language, culture and heritage of Patagonia still survives, the reality of life
today in Patagonia is quite different from the way it is often imagined by those on the other
side of the Atlantic:
I think there’s a lack of understanding of the Chubut-Patagonian-ArgentineanLatin American context: cultural, political, sociological, and linguistic. My
perception is that if you ask people there, they are 100% Argentinean, though
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very proud of their Welsh roots, that they have been able to maintain their
traditions, which are not 100% Welsh but are Welsh-Patagonian. – Walter
Ariel Brooks
Many of those involved in the Patagonia 150 programme wanted to demythologise the idea
of Patagonia, in order to strengthen the links with the real people and communities that exist
today, and to engage with their current concerns. For example, through the production of
{150}:
It has a mythological status and people are fascinated by that. It becomes an
enigma and this production gave us the chance to explore this and demystify
it. – Michelle Carwardine-Palmer
The concerns of people in Patagonia at the present time are the survival of
the language, and searching for money for schools. We wanted to bring that
into the performance. – Marc Rees
Patagonians growing up in Argentina have a parallel experience, encountering a similar
fantasy image of Wales and Welsh people. One Patagonian who first came to Wales in 1999
described his initial experience:
Although I knew Wales was a modern country I still expected to see life
revolving around chapel and tea at five o’clock. What I found was a modern
vibrant country where instead of having tea, people get ready to go to the
pub. For me that was basically culture shock. Then I realised that these
images of Wales were based on a romantic idea, something that perhaps
existed 150 years ago. For me it was an eye-opener, as it is for most
Patagonians who come over. The specific identity is frozen in time and can
only be revived with more contact, which is happening now. – Walter Ariel
Brooks
The time was ripe for renewing and refreshing the connections between the two countries.
THE 150 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION YEAR
To mark the 150th anniversary of the Welsh settlement of Patagonia, the British Council, at
the request of the Welsh Government, coordinated a year of events and activities that
celebrated the cultural, historical, and linguistic links between the two regions.
Organisations from national arts companies to local community associations were involved,
and activities ranged from international projects to small-scale exhibitions.
The dedication, interest, and passion of those involved, whether as organisers, participants,
or audiences, reflected the very special meaning that Patagonia holds for the people of
Wales.
There was also significant press and broadcast media interest, both in Argentina and the
UK. Many thousands of people learned (more) about the story of Patagonia and the history
of Welsh language, culture, and people in the region.
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THE BRITISH COUNCIL’S ROLE AND AIMS
The British Council’s role was: to coordinate all of the activities that were taking place;
through the website and branding (e.g. logo design), to create a central information point and
brand for the year’s activities; to deliver projects (often in partnership); to co-fund activity;
and to provide support and advice through its offices in Cardiff and Argentina.
The British Council and Welsh Government together contributed £100,000 over two years
towards co-ordinating this project. British Council Wales also contributed approximately
£30,000 to specific projects during the celebration year.
Activities were organised independently by the organisations and individuals involved. There
was no obligation to ‘register’ events centrally, or to seek permission or pay to use the logo
and branding.
PATAGONIA 150 DIGITAL
One of the British Council’s most important tasks was to set up the website for individuals,
organisations and the public, along with social media channels; these were invaluable
communications tools throughout the year.
The website www.patagonia150.org was developed by British Council Wales as an
information point for the celebratory year. A Patagonia 150 twitter account @Patagonia150
was also used to publicise the year, engage with the audience and to draw people to the
website.
The website will be archived and will feature a video of the year’s highlights, this review, and
a Storify record of the year’s main social media activity.
WEBSITE STATISTICS
1 January 2015 – 31 December 2015
31,862 sessions
22,557 unique visitors:




57.8% UK
17.3% Argentina
8.31% USA
Remainder Russia, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Canada, France and other.
TWITTER STATISTICS
1,102 followers:



63% from Wales
22% from the rest of the UK
6% from Argentina
July 2015 was the main celebration month, with a high level of engagement:



104.7K impressions
478 clicks on links
351 retweets
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
3,763 profile visits
Thunderclap
139 people (target 100) signed up for the Day of the Landing Twitter Thunderclap. This
entailed people giving the Thunderclap app access to their Twitter account to allow it to send
an automated Twitter message at 12pm on 28 July, the Day of the Landing:
Mae heddiw’n ben-blwydd y Wladfa’n 150! / Today is the 150th Anniversary of Welsh
Patagonia! #Patagonia150 (Link to Thunderclap Patagonia 150 page)
The Patagonia 150 Thunderclap reached 532,674 people.
OBJECTIVES
The year’s activity supported a number of the British Council’s broader aims and objectives.
The British Council hoped to:

Strengthen the cultural links between Wales and Patagonia

Highlight the positive relationship between Argentina and the UK

Raise the profile of Wales and Welsh artists and cultural organisations in Patagonia
and throughout Argentina

Reach new audiences in Patagonia and elsewhere in Argentina

Form new significant connections between arts companies and artists in Wales and
Patagonia

Develop the skills of Welsh artists and organisations

Help to develop the skills of international artists and organisations

Explore, develop, and evaluate new innovative ways of working together

Help Welsh artists and organisations to secure new commissions, franchises, and
contracts

Attract significant amounts of in-kind and/or co-creation funding
ADVISORY GROUP
An advisory or steering group was formed from representatives of the key organisations
taking part in the celebration year. Its members were:
BBC (Cymru / Wales): Lowri Rhys Davies
BBC National Orchestra of Wales: Michael Garvey, Suzanne Hay
British Council Argentina: Mary Godward
British Council Wales: Walter Ariel Brooks, Alison Cummins, Rebecca Gould, Lyndsey
Halliday, Jenny Scott, Aled Eirug
British Embassy in Argentina: John Freeman, Michelle Webster
Wales Argentina Society: Marc Phillips
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National Library of Wales: Rhian Evans, Aled Gruffydd Jones, Lona Mason
National Museum Wales: David Anderson, Steph Mastoris, Beth Thomas
National Theatre Wales: Michelle Carwardine-Palmer
People’s Collection Wales: Rheinallt Ffoster Jones, Hazel Thomas
Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru: Carys Ifan
S4C: Llion Iwan
Tŷ Cerdd: Matthew Thistlewood, Gwyn L. Williams
Urdd Gobaith Cymru: Eleri Mai Thomas
Velindre Fundraising: Andrew Morris
Wales Arts International: Eluned Hâf, Nicola Morgan, Elen Roberts
Wales Office: Lowri ap Robert
Welsh Assembly: Al Davies
Welsh Government: Ifona Deeley, Jonathan Fitzgerald, Sian Furminger
TIMELINE OF ACTIVITIES
This is not a comprehensive list. For further details, please see the website at
www.patagonia150.org
Jan 2015
Programme launch (Welsh Government/British Council co-reception)
Apr 2015
‘Camwy ar Droed’ (Chubut on foot) trek in honour of the original settlers.
May 2015
Mimosa Festival, Liverpool. Organised by the Merseyside Welsh Heritage
Society to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the sailing of the Mimosa from the
port of Liverpool. Including the unveiling of a memorial plinth on the waterfront.
Jun 2015
A live duet of Calon Lân, by Welsh classical singer Shân Cothi in Cardiff and
Andres Evans in Patagonia, was sung across more than 7,000 miles, a new
record for the greatest distance between people singing a duet.
Jun 2015
'150 years of the Welsh in Patagonia: Reflections on a Legacy', Conference at
Aberystwyth University.
Jun –
2015
Jul 2015
Jul
Site-specific production {150} by Marc Rees, the first co-production between
National Theatre Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.
‘The Welsh Settlement in Patagonia, 1865–2015’, Conference at Cardiff
University.
11
Jul 2015
Main celebrations in Chubut. Including visit by First Minister Carwyn Jones and a
Welsh delegation.
28 Jul 2015
Anniversary of the ‘Day of the Landing’ when the first Welsh settlers set foot in
Patagonia in 1865. ‘Thunderclap’ on Twitter.
Jul –
2015
Oct
‘Patagonia 150: Our Journey to the New World’ Exhibition at National Waterfront
Museum, Swansea.
Jul –
2015
Aug
Special week of programmes on S4C, including news and current affairs from
Patagonia, the film Galesa: Patagonia 150, and Huw Edwards’ documentary.
Aug 2015
Theatr Clwyd-Urdd Gobaith Cymru co-production Mimosa performed at the
National Eisteddfod in Wales and touring to Patagonia.
Aug 2015
Restitution ceremony, funeral and burial of Catherine Roberts Davies, one of the
original settlers who sailed on the Mimosa, in Punta Cuevas, Chubut. Organised
by CENPAT, Centro Nacional Patagónico.
Aug 2015
Exhibition: ‘The Welsh in Patagonia’, Bangor University showing the university’s
‘Patagonia Collection’ of more than 1500 items. Launched at the National
Eisteddfod in Meifod.
Sep 2015
People’s Collection Wales visit to Argentina with workshops in Buenos Aires and
Patagonia, including training and the establishment of Digital Heritage Stations
across Argentina.
Oct –
2015
Nov
BBC National Orchestra of Wales tour of South America, including a residency
and concerts in Patagonia and touring to Buenos Aires, Chile and Uruguay.
Oct 2015
Tŷ Cerdd – National Youth Choir of Wales tour of Argentina.
Nov 2015 –
Jan 2016
Photography exhibition by Argentinean photographer Marcos Zimmermann at St
David’s Hall, Cardiff.
Nov 2015
Chubut 150 Eisteddfod.
Dec 2015
Fundraising trek across Patagonia in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre, including
Patrons Rhod Gilbert and James Dean Bradfield (Manic Street Preachers) and
Ambassador Shane Williams.
Dec 2015
Closing reception hosted by Welsh Government and British Council.
Throughout the year:


Launch of the Patagonia 150 education resources website
www.parotpiws.com/patagonia
Programmes on BBC television, radio, and online
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EXAMPLES OF MAJOR PROJECTS
BBC NATIONAL ORCHESTRA OF WALES TOUR AND RESIDENCY
Twelve musicians from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales took part in a week-long
residency in Patagonia. They performed a concert in an old wool warehouse in Trelew that
was converted especially for this performance. They also delivered a number of workshops
for schools, including special schools, performed in private homes for elderly people,
performed with community groups and individual musicians, and more. The harpist Catrin
Finch travelled to the communities in the Andes where, among other places, she played her
harp on a steam train. The orchestra also toured to other parts of Argentina (Buenos Aires,
where they were the first British orchestra to perform at the Colon music hall for 12 years,
Rosario, Cordoba) and then to Santiago (Chile) and Montevideo (Uruguay). The orchestra’s
residency was featured in a documentary, ‘From Wales to Patagonia: A Musical Journey’,
shown on BBC Two Wales.
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Took the National Orchestra of Wales’ participatory learning programme on tour in
order to connect with a community, not only to perform concerts.
2. Developed the musical and social skills of young people in Patagonia, including
children at special schools.
3. Brought high-calibre symphony orchestra performances to communities that do not
generally have the opportunity to hear them.
4. Developed the skills of the musicians involved: as well as musical skills, also
teaching, language, improvisation, and communication skills.
5. Created new artistic connections and cultural exchange between the NOW and
Patagonian musicians including community and school choirs, indigenous musicians,
and professional musicians
6. Brought together different choirs, youth orchestras, musicians etc. and thereby
increased cooperative working between local organisations in Patagonia.
FEEDBACK FROM OTHERS
This project has left a mark that will be felt for years to come. – Catrin Morris1
What we expected was serious musicians, very structured, professional;
instead we met people who transmitted music in a fresh, unstructured way.
Besides learning we had fun and shared days full of warm affection and
inspiration. Many of our children are homeless or have absent families; this
environment is something we try for our teachers to create daily. I appreciate
your kind gesture of coming to our neighbourhood and we hope in time you
will return. I will not forget and this experience will remain with us – Email
from Mariana, one of the two conductors of INTA Youth Orchestra based in
Trelew
1
http://www.wai.org.uk/6853
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{150}: THEATRE PRODUCTION AND FILM (GALESA)
{150} was a multi-platform production that combined live performance in Wales with a
specially commissioned film telling the story of the settlement of Patagonia. The site-specific
performance was created by artist Marc Rees and performed at the Royal Opera House
Stores in Aberdare. The film Galesa: Patagonia 150, directed by Roger Williams, is a
creative mix of drama and reality television, shot on location in Patagonia and starring many
members of the Patagonian Welsh community (as well as other Patagonians not of Welsh
descent).
It was the first time that Wales' two national theatres, National Theatre Wales and Theatr
Genedlaethol Cymru, had worked together. Both theatres, as well as Wales Arts
Inetrnational, contributed funds to the project. The production was also in association with
S4C.
A total of 1,900 people attended the live show in Aberdare. 14,000 people watched the film
Galesa when it was broadcast live on S4C, with a further 19,000 watching the two
subsequent broadcasts, and 813 viewed it on the S4C website. There were 8,489 visits to
the {150} website (4,403 of which were unique visits).
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Wales’ two national theatres collaborated on a major production for the first time.
2. Changed perceptions of Patagonia among Welsh audiences by challenging the
mythical, romanticised idea of Patagonia, with a contemporary take, not a
straightforward historical reconstruction.
3. Gave the Patagonian descendants a voice and put a spotlight on current life in
Patagonia; to accurately represent their concerns and the reality of their lives today.
4. Used the Royal Opera House stores as a performance space for the first time.
5. Developed artistic and technical skills of the theatre makers involved.
6. Created digital resources that are available on the S4C website.
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
Last night's #150patagonia was a visual feast. Beautiful scenes and soundtrack to an
unforgettable journey. @NTWtweets 2
Amazing performance by @NTWtweets #150Patagonia -Took me right back 2the
beauty of #Patagonia Wonderful story and wonderful history #Cymru3
An astonishing work of cultural memory, weaving together archive recordings,
oral histories and traditional song in this bilingual celebration of what it means
to be a nation. This is installation theatre at its best – Kate Maltby, the Times
(four star review)4
https://twitter.com/lleucuc/status/619128923335606273.
https://twitter.com/JemAppleby/status/618524674021007361
More feedback can be read at: https://storify.com/ntw/150
4
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/stage/theatre/article4483892.ece
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MIMOSA: THEATR CLWYD AND URDD GOBAITH CYMRU THEATRE
PRODUCTION
Mimosa is a dramatized documentary ensemble theatre piece by Theatr Clwyd, written and
directed by Tim Baker, and performed in Wales and Patagonia by 18 young people,
including two from Patagonia, and four professional actors. It tells the true story of the boat
on which the first Welsh settlers sailed to Patagonia in 1865.
In summer 2015, the professional company toured both English- and Welsh-language
versions to communities in Wales. Then in August the piece was expanded to include young
people aged 16-22; this was the version taken to Patagonia and this was in Welsh only.
The project was funded by the Arts Council of Wales and by the young people themselves,
who each raised over £2,500 towards their own costs.
Urdd Gobaith Cymru run a trip to Patagonia every October for approximately 15 young
people. In 2015, for the two trips combined, nearly 40 young people from Wales travelled to
Patagonia.
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Built bridges between young Welsh speakers in Wales and in Patagonia, and
increased awareness of the Welsh language.
The company are much more knowledgeable about the real situation in
Patagonia and about the importance of keeping that culture alive. The future of
the language and of the culture is in the hands of the young people out there, and
unless resources are there for teaching, but also the enthusiasm for speaking the
language, then it’s either going to become a museum piece or die. – Tim Baker
2. Strengthened links with Patagonian people by visiting new communities.
3. Gave young people from Wales the experience of visiting Patagonia.
4. Took a piece of theatre telling the story of the original settlers to Patagonia and
performed to their descendants.
The audiences were phenomenal. To stand in a country and tell them their story
is about a pure example of an artistic cultural bridge as you can get. Many many
tears flowed, not just from the audience but from our young actors as well. – Tim
Baker
5. Celebrated the continuing existence of the Welsh community and the Welsh
language in Patagonia.
6. Formed a new and successful partnership between the Urdd and Theatr Clwyd.
7. Raise awareness of Patagonia within Wales.
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PEOPLE’S COLLECTION WALES: WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
People’s Collection Wales is a programme at the National Library of Wales: a bilingual
website dedicated to Welsh heritage and culture. They aim to document the history of Wales
and its people across the world, creating an invaluable historic archive. For the Patagonia
150 year, PCW wanted to collect more material relating to Patagonia, and also to deliver
training to communities in Patagonia to help them document and preserve their own history.
Funding from the British Council enabled them to send two of their staff to do outreach work
in Patagonia: work they would otherwise have had to do online. The fact that PCW staff were
able to visit in person to deliver training and workshops made a big difference to the level of
engagement.
In Patagonia, they worked with a total of 263 people (far exceeding their original target of
60), and digitised over 1000 items. They also delivered a workshop on digitising documents
in Buenos Aires for 68 people, for the University of San Andres, including 10-12 staff from
the National Library of Argentina and other libraries. This was organised by the British
Council Argentina.
2. CAPEL BERW YN CHAPEL AC
1: YSGOL YR HENDRE
SEPTEMBER 2015
SCHOOL,
TRELEW,
16
AMGUEDDFA SALESIAN MUSEUM,
RAW SON, 19 SEPTEMBER 2015
3.
SUMMARY OF PCW ACTIVITY IN ARGENTINA
16
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Made connections with the Welsh communities in Patagonia.
2. Encouraged people in those villages and towns to collect and digitise historical
material relating to the Welsh history there.
3. Collected new material for the PCW website.
4. Trained people in Patagonia to continue the collection and digitisation of historical
material after the PCW visit ended.
5. Set up two digital heritage stations on either side of the prairie, with equipment
(specifically, two A4 Epson scanners with laptops in mobile cases with wheels that
can be transported for outreach work) to continue the work of digitising.
6. Made new connections between the National Library of Wales and the National
Library of Argentina in Buenos Aires.
7. Developed skills of PCW staff, who had to adapt their usual workshops for different
audiences:
8. Raised visibility of Wales and of the Welsh-Patagonian community in Buenos Aires
and in Argentina at a national level, which benefits the people, museums, and
organisations in Chubut.
TŶ CERDD: NATIONAL YOUTH CHOIR OF WALES TOUR AND COMPOSER
EXCHANGE
70 young singers from the National Youth Choir of Wales toured Argentina in autumn 2015.
They performed music in Spanish, Welsh, and English by Welsh and Latin American
composers, including Patagonian composers and a newly commissioned work for choir and
accordion by Tŷ Cerdd’s President, Paul Mealor, and worked with both a Welsh and an
Argentine conductor.
The tour was organised by Tŷ Cerdd – Music Centre Wales, in partnership with the Wales
Millennium Centre. One of the resident major arts organisations in the WMC, the mission of
Tŷ Cerdd is to support, develop and promote the creation, performance and empowering
experience of music, nationally and internationally.
The choir gave two concerts in Buenos Aires, including one promoted by the Mozarteum,
followed by concerts in Patagonia. The largest venue was a huge converted warehouse in
Trelew with an audience of 2,700: the smallest a chapel in Gaiman where they performed to
300 people. In Buenos Aires they performed in a school to 250 people and also in a major
concert hall to an audience of 1,000.
There was also a ‘composer exchange’ (in partnership with the National Orchestra of
Wales); a Patagonian composer, of Welsh heritage, came to Wales, and a Welsh composer
went to Argentina. They were both commissioned to write new pieces of music.
The tour was funded by members of the choir, the British Council. The Welsh Government,
Arts Council Wales, and the Argentine Embassy.
17
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Effected a cultural exchange between conductors, composers, and musicians in
Wales and Argentina.
2. Recognised and celebrate the shared musical heritage of Patagonia and Wales:
The musical heritage of the Welsh people in Patagonia is still to be seen with
the ready presence of choirs and the numbers of concerts that are held at a
very local level, including in small village halls. The eisteddfod as well is a
shared musical and literary tradition. – Gwyn Williams
3. Raised the profile and visibility of Welsh music in Latin America.
4. Shared Patagonian and Argentinean culture with people in Wales, through bringing
the Argentine composer and music to Wales.
5. Several new pieces of music were written, produced and performed.
6. Changed perceptions reciprocally between the Welsh and Argentinean people
involved in the project.
7. Developed the planning and logistical skills of those who arranged the tour.
8. Formed new connections, described by Gwyn Williams as ‘very real and concrete
legacies’, including the Argentine composer with National Orchestra of Wales, the
Welsh composer with Patagonia, and one member of the choir, a student at
Southampton University, has been invited back to work her ERASMUS year in an
English school in Buenos Aires.
9. Strengthened the partnership between Tŷ Cerdd and the Wales Millennium Centre.
‘OUR JOURNEY TO THE NEW WORLD’ EXHIBITION AND PATAGONIA
WEEKEND AT THE NATIONAL WATERFRONT MUSEUM, SWANSEA.
This exhibition explored the migration to Patagonia from the perspective of what the
colonists were moving away from, as partly a reaction against the industrialisation and
Anglicisation of nineteenth-century Wales. Four reconstructed rooms in the main foyer of the
museum, designed by Andrew Deathe, offered visitors the opportunity to explore four
different environments:
A cottage interior in Wales, then a shipping office in Liverpool, then a bunk
bed on board the Mimosa, and then a cottage in Patagonia. Around that, a
series of traditional display panels told the story of the initial emigration. –
Steph Mastoris
As well as the exhibition itself, that ran for 2.5 months, the museum also held a well-attended
Patagonia weekend at which they showed films, had a series of lectures, family events such
as craft work, etc., themed around the exhibition.
Fengtian Li (a student of Museum Studies from the University of Leicester) did an
observational and face-to-face evaluation of the exhibition. She tracked 30 visitors,
observing how much time they spent in front of each exhibit, and also interviewed 30 visitors.
Some of her key findings included:
18





50% of visitors know the story of the Welsh in Patagonia before
visiting
97% of those surveyed were satisfied/ very satisfied by the exhibition
97% would recommend to friends
37% of visitors surveyed were Welsh speakers
Dwell time was 6-10 mins, good for a small-scale temporary
exhibition.
4. THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR CULTURE (KEN SKATES) VISITING
THE PATAGONIA EXHIBITION ON THE 14 OCTOBER 2015.
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Engaged a broad demographic, including those who may have known little or nothing
about Patagonia, and sparked their interest. Also well received by Argentineans who
were visiting Wales to see the Rugby World Cup.
2. Incorporated young adults’ input, via the museum’s youth forum, into the
conceptualisation and planning for the exhibition.
3. Challenged people’s preconceptions. The museum’s aim was ‘trying to make people
think about these big icons of Welsh culture - Patagonia, Dylan Thomas - and say
there’s another story there besides the one you all know.’
4. Created a new type of design, similar to a theatrical set, for the exhibition. The design
was also innovative in terms of its portability:
It was very ingenious because it could be packed away in ten minutes, the
speediest we’ve ever had, due to the design and carpentry involved. It
showed it was feasible to have an object-rich environment that could be
packed away very quickly when we have commercial activity in the hallway.
5. Trialled an innovative approach to the use of the Welsh language by having the main
captions solely in Welsh, with English translations in a small box in each area. This
was a success and they plan to repeat it.
6. Improved the understanding and knowledge of Patagonia among the museum’s staff,
meaning that: ‘In the next 5-10 years, when we revamp the permanent galleries,
we’ve got all the material we need to talk about Patagonia.’ (Steph Mastoris)
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BBC COVERAGE AND FIRST MINISTER VISIT
The Patagonia anniversary was one of BBC Wales’ editorial highlights for the year. There
was significant programming and content on all platforms: television, radio, and online. This
was co-ordinated by Lowri Rhys Davies, who already knew Patagonia well.
Some highlights included:

BBC National Orchestra of Wales gala concert

World record duet of ‘Calon Lan’, with soloists and choirs in Wales and Patagonia.
Covered on Radio Wales, Radio Cymru and R3

Coverage of events in Patagonia during the summer, around 28th July, the key
celebration date marking the arrival of the Mimosa in Patagonia in 1865, and
including the First Minister’s visit to Patagonia. This was covered on news outlets live
from Argentina in both Welsh and English

Huw Edwards documentary in both English and Welsh on S4C and BBC Cymru
Wales

Cymru Wales and the Welsh-language online service: many features, including a
‘live’ Twitter feed of the diary entries of one of the original Mimosa travellers, with
each entry posted on the same date as it was written in 1865

Programme looking at the state of the Welsh language today in Patagonia

BBC Wales Director Rhodri Talfan Davies visited in October/November and
presented as a gift to the community a digital copy of the BBC Cymru Wales archive
on Patagonia, to schools, so that anyone could access them for research or
enjoyment whenever they wanted. This included historical archive programmes
dating back to the 1960s.
MAIN IMPACTS
1. Communicated the story of Patagonia to both English- and Welsh-language
audiences, and increased the understanding of Patagonia among audiences in
Wales.
2. Challenged the romanticised image of Patagonia by showing both the reality of the
original migration, and a realistic picture of what life is like in Patagonia today,
including asking questions about identity, Welsh language, etc., and what the future
might hold.
3. Created a year of content that was varied, fun, relevant, and forward-thinking.
4. Raised profile of BBC Cymru Wales within the wider BBC:
We had interest outside of BBC Cymru Wales. A programme on BBC Radio
4, BBC magazine, World Service, the Huw Edwards programme will be
shown on BBC4. We were able to push the Patagonia theme beyond the
Welsh border. It caught the eye of the BBC as an organisation as a whole. –
Lowri Rhys Davies
5. Increased sense of connection between people in Patagonia and Wales, thanks in
part to the First Minister’s visit.
6. Made a digital archive of BBC programmes about Patagonia permanently available to
schools in Patagonia.
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OTHER PROJECTS
Many smaller-scale projects took place across Wales and beyond. Individuals and
organisations who had organised events during the year were invited to complete an online
survey, in order to find out more about motivations for taking part, numbers of people
involved, the impact of activities on individuals and organisations, and its long-term legacy.
24 complete surveys were received (13 in Welsh and 11 in English).5
ACTIVITIES
The survey captured a wide range of activities from political visits and historical
commemoration, to book publication, schools activities, performances, exhibitions, and many
musical and artistic projects. Some activities are described below:
A 5 day art and music project for 148 Swansea primary school children which
included a live performance of songs and dramatic interpretations written by the
children at the National Waterfront Museum to launch the Swansea International
Festival 2015.
Producing bespoke fabric for an artistic production
To lay to rest the bones of Catherine Roberts-Davies
Raising money to send 5 harps to Y Wladfa
Solo performances/talks (René Griffiths) Band musical performances (Celtica Latina)
Book publication (Ramblings of a Patagonian)
Anniversary trek raising funds for Velindre Cancer centre
An exhibition, 'The Welsh in Patagonia,' and a Welsh Patagonian Tea Party at the
Eisteddfod in Meifod, August 2015
A new choral commission for the BBC National Chorus of Wales
The first visit from the National Assembly for Wales’ delegation to Y Wladfa, including
activities in Trelew, Gaiman, Esquel, Trevelin and Buenos Aires
Collaboration, composing and recording with other musicians from Chubut to create
a CD and travel across Wales to perform songs and hold workshops
Workshops in schools in Wales and Y Wladfa. Creating a mural in Pentrefuchaf
School with children of Wales and visitors from Y Wladfa. Creating exhibitions in the
Galeri, Caernarfon and Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. Carrying the work of Delyth Llwyd from
the home of Silvia J, in the Gaiman, to Wales.
A one man show for Key Stage 2 children (7 – 11 year olds) which travelled across
Wales. The show revolved around the character William Jones – one of the original
settlers that travelled on the Mimosa to Patagonia.
5
A survey completed in Welsh/English does not necessarily mean that the activity it referred to also took place
exclusively or primarily in that language. The results of the two surveys have generally been aggregated, but
significant discrepancies between the Welsh-language and English-language responses are noted.
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FUNDING
Three projects had received funding from the British Council. Of those three, two said that
without British Council funding, their activity would not have taken place at all, and one said
that the activity would have been on a smaller scale.
Other sources of funding included:

Wales Arts International

Arts Council of Wales

British Embassy in Argentina

S4C/BBC

Local / county councils (e.g. Gwynedd)

Universities (e.g. Swansea, Bangor)

Schools (who paid for shows to be performed)

Arts companies (e.g. Plas Glyn-y-Weddw Gallery; the Galeri, Caernarfon)

Patagonian organisations (e.g. CENPAT)

Public donations / appeals

Generated income

Sponsorship

Self-funded
22
REASONS FOR TAKING PART
Why did you want to take part in Patagonia 150?
100%
100%
90%
82%
80%
70%
64%62%
64%
60%
50%
54%
46%
46%
36%
40%
36%
27%
30%
20%
46%
15%
10%
15%
English
Cymraeg
0%
The most important reason for taking part was ‘To celebrate a special event (the 150th
anniversary of Welsh settlement of Patagonia)’. 100% of respondents who answered in
Welsh, and 81% in English, said this was a reason.
For both Welsh and English speakers, the second most important reason was ‘to attract
new audiences’ (over 60% of respondents).
For Welsh speakers, the next most important reasons were ‘To develop my organisation’
(54%) and ‘To build my contacts and networks’ (46%), while for those who answered in
English, ‘enjoyment/fun/experience’ (63%) and ‘to improve my own skills’ (46%) were
the next most significant reasons. Welsh speakers therefore placed more emphasis on
organisational or corporate development, and English speakers on individual/personal
development.
‘To attract funding/make money’ was the least important motive for all those taking part.
23
NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED
Respondents were asked how many people were involved in their activity.6
Response #
Trefnwyr/ organisers/
staff
Cyfranogwyr/
participants
Cynulleidfa fyw/ Live
audience
1
3
110
200
2
0
0
0
3
5
40
100
4
6
0
80
5
15
0
4500
6
12
40
36000
7
1
4
4500
8
18
148
9
4
0
0
10
0
0
0
11
3
5
2500
12
5
70
13
6
10
1600
14
1
3
200
15
3
0
16
15
100
250
Total
97
530
49930
Average
6
41
3841
A total of 97 people were involved as organisers or staff, an average of 6 per project. 530
people in total participated in projects, approximately 40 on average. The total for live
audiences was 49,930, with an average of 3841.7
6
None of the projects listed any online or broadcast audience.
7
This includes one project for which the numbers seem exceptionally high; the respondent said that they had
reached a live audience of 36,000 with a project that included:
Workshops in schools in Wales and Y Wladfa. Creating a mural in Pentrefuchaf School with the
children of Wales and visitors from Y Wladfa. Creating exhibitions in the Galeri, Caernarfon and
Plas Glyn-y-Weddw. Helping to catalogue. Carrying the work of Delyth Llwyd from the home of
Silvia J, in the Gaiman, to Wales.
It is not clear how the respondent arrived at this figure but it may have distorted the overall totals. Excluding this
project, the total number of people reached as live audience was 13,930, with an average of 1563, which may be
a more accurate figure.
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IMMEDIATE IMPACT
What was the impact of Patagonia 150 on you/your organistion?
90%
80%
80%
75%
80%
70%
70%
63%
60%
60%
60%
50%
50%
50%
50%
38%
40%
38%
30%
English
25%
Cymraeg
20%
20%
13%
10%
10%
0%
New
audiences
Increased
New
publicity partners UK
New
partners
overseas
Visited new
places
Received
visitors
Other
(please
specify)
Employment
and/or
training
opportunities
80% of Welsh-language respondents and 75% English reached new audiences, while 80%
of English-language respondents and 63% Welsh saw increased publicity.
For Welsh speakers, new partnerships/working relationships abroad (50% of
respondents) was a bigger impact than new partnerships in the UK (38%). This was
different for English-language respondents; 70% formed new relationships in the UK, and
60% abroad.
Approximately half of respondents had visited new places, received visitors, or both. 17%
of all respondents said that the year had provided employment or training opportunities
(10% English, 25% Welsh).
Every impact, except for employment or training opportunities, was rated as more significant
for those who answered in English, compared to those who answered in Welsh.
Other short-term impacts included:
Reports have been received from the participating schools on the positive impact the
project has had on school attendance figures, engagement and increased selfconfidence of the children involved. The teacher resource website was extremely well
received by the teachers involved in the project.
It gave the children of Y Wladfa the opportunity to play the harp
Establishing an Appeal to raise money was a new experience, especially as it was an
online Appeal
We are a small company, and this is the first grant funding we’ve received (Welsh
Assembly). The show is still available to schools, and although less schools are now
booking the show, we still receive a small income as a result.
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PUBLIC RESPONSE
Respondents were asked: ‘In what ways have you seen the impact of the Patagonia 150
celebrations on the public in Wales?’
Many people mentioned ‘raised awareness’ of Patagonia, an increased understanding of
its history and current situation, and of the ‘shared history’ and ‘special relationship’
between Patagonia and Wales, a sense of ‘pride’, and capturing the public’s imagination.
Many respondents attributed this raised awareness and engagement to ‘widespread
reporting’ in the press, and to television and radio programmes.
People had also seen larger audiences at events and more people travelling to Patagonia or
travelling for events: ‘The crowds that came to us, over two thousand to Liverpool for the 3
days Festival.’
Several people also mentioned that public understanding of Wales’ history had increased,
for example: ‘Over 90 primary schools ordered the Williams Jones show – Mordaith y
Mimosa (Voyage of the Mimosa), which is tantamount to approximately 4500 children who
have seen the show and learnt about an important piece of Welsh history.’
DIFFERENCES IN WELSH- AND ENGLISH-LANGUAGE PROJECTS
One respondent felt that there was ‘A little more awareness amongst Welsh speakers – but
not much awareness amongst non-Welsh speaking people of Wales.’
There was some disappointment among those who answered the survey in Welsh that their
projects had not been supported, financially or otherwise, by the British Council or other
grant-making bodies:
Some practical support from the British Council in order to allow the William
Mathias Music Centre arrange online training sessions (e.g. Skype) for
harpists in Patagonia would have been very useful.
It was a little disappointing that there was no financial support available from
the British Council to support the work, especially during the Gŵyl Hanes
Cymru i Blant (Welsh History Festival for Children); the hope was to bring and
perform the show for schools for free in the Abercynon and Aberdare areas.
Having said that, as a young Theatre Company for Children, we were very
happy to see the work of the company included on the website for the
campaign, and were very happy to carry the logo on our activities and
publicity.
The respondent above acknowledged that, although they wished they had received financial
support, the visibility provided by the Patagonia 150 website and the use of the logo was
helpful in promoting their activity.
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CHANGE IN PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES AND UNDERSTANDING
Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with a number of statements about
changes as a result of taking part in Patagonia 150. Results were as follows:
83% of respondents agreed
I am/my organisation is more ready and willing
to form relationships with audiences and/or
organisations in other countries
67% of respondents agreed
The Patagonia 150 celebrations have made an
impact on the public in Wales
100% of respondents agreed (72%
‘agreed strongly’)
The Patagonia 150 celebrations will make a longterm difference to me / my organisation
67% of respondents agreed
My understanding of the British Council’s work
has improved as a result of taking part in
Patagonia 150
44% agreed that their understanding
had improved, 22% said it had not
improved, and 34% were unsure.
% of respondents
My understanding of Wales’ relationship with
Patagonia has improved as a result of taking part
in Patagonia 150
80
1 (Disagree strongly)
70
2 (Disagree slightly)
60
3 (Neither agree nor
disagree)
4 (Agree slightly)
50
5 (Agree strongly)
40
30
20
10
0
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LEARNING
UNIQUE PATAGONIAN IDENTITY
Many of those involved said they had learned more about the realities of contemporary
Patagonian identity:
I thought that it was a little corner of Wales. But it’s somewhere with a specific
and incredible identity all of its own. They’re very proud of their Welsh
heritage and their connection with Wales, but they are Argentinean and they
have this unique balance of being Argentineans of Welsh descent but very
happy to learn Welsh, to keep in touch and try to make new contacts with
people in Wales, to keep Welsh culture going side by side with their unique
Argentinean culture as well. – Lowri Rhys Davies
What was interesting is that perhaps the future of the Welsh language is not
dependent on Welsh descendants but people who have nothing to do with
Wales but want to learn the language. A new identity is formed; not
dependent on the families of the settlers but something else. It’s
tremendously exciting, new, unusual. – Marc Rees
PARTNERSHIPS AND WORKING TOGETHER
Many people spoke very positively about their experiences of working together with other
Welsh organisations and individuals. They emphasised how generous people were with their
time and sharing their ideas and plans:
The advisory board was really great for us because it put me in touch with
people who were at various stages of developing projects with their
organisations, people who could share their knowledge and understanding of
the communities we would be working with. – Suzanne Hay
We had a closing event in December to thank all the partners for the excellent
work they did in supporting the whole. A lot of people said to me it would be
lovely to work in that way again, because they found they worked extremely
well, people really cooperated with each other. I thought that was a nice
legacy in itself. – Ifona Deeley
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING
A number of those interviewed mentioned the essential importance of sufficient research and
recce visits, in order to plan activity and to find out from the communities there what they
wanted / needed:
What we decided to do was a community residency with a group of
musicians, that would reflect some of the work we’ve piloted here in Wales;
going to live in a town or community and really knowing the situation before
we start work, of what’s needed on the ground rather than us devising
something that we think is appropriate and bringing it along, but instead
working with the community to find out what they need. – Suzanne Hay
28
It was really important to go several times. I was really able to explore, to talk
to people, and to understand the importance of the history and how
extraordinary it was. I had a mission to explore, to unearth, to excavate. –
Marc Rees
FLEXIBLE AND TAILORED COMMUNICATION
Communications technology, such as social media, Skype, email, and phones, was essential
to establish and sustain successful relationships across long distances and periods of time.
It was vital to be flexible and open to different forms of communication, and to be aware of
how the intended audience used technology (for example, older people were surprisingly
responsive to Facebook).
The groundwork of inviting people to attend the various People’s Collection
Wales sessions was done via Facebook pages and it was incredible how
people were responding to that invitation and telling us that they would like to
attend those sessions and where. – Hazel Thomas
SUFFICIENT TIME AND RESOURCES
Several people emphasised the need to begin planning for this type of activity as far in
advance as possible:
If we could go back and share ideas earlier, there might have been greater
scope to have manipulated the programme so that we were working together,
and not duplicating anything. – Ifona Deeley
Others wished there had been more time during the year itself to communicate with the
public about what was taking place:
We [BC Argentina] didn’t have enough time to contribute more to the
communications and to the Patagonia 150 website. I think we missed an
opportunity there. We did take somebody on two days a week for the 150th
anniversary, a Welsh speaker, but once the programme got going she was
too busy for communications. I think we could have had somebody working
seven hours a week systematically on our communications; it would have
given everything more visibility without massive cost. – Mary Godward
POLITICAL CONTEXT
The anniversary celebrations took place against a background of broader political issues,
including the elections in Argentina, and a re-examination of the historically complex and
sometimes challenging relationship between Argentina and the UK:
The Argentine ambassador in London, although she was very supportive of
the celebrations, was quite open also in saying that the main reason for the
support is that it was a clear example of how a community with a British origin
could live in Argentina and their culture would be respected and they could
preserve their language. So there was the idea of making a certain political
use of the anniversary. That at times made it a bit difficult, because from the
29
point of view of Wales, and most organisations, the link between Chubut and
Wales is a cultural link; politics doesn’t come into it. – Mary Godward
I think the Argentine Embassy saw this as a real opportunity to celebrate the
positive aspects of the relationship between the UK, through Wales, and
Argentina, through Patagonia. The then-President of Argentina, President
Kirchner, used the happy relationship that the small community in Patagonia
enjoys with other Argentine people and also with its parent country in Wales,
as an example of what might be possible with the Malvinas. – Gwyn Williams
The lesson learned here was the sometimes surprising extent to which small-scale or local
projects, focused on a specific community, can have ramifications that extend far beyond
their immediate audience, and can intersect with larger-scale political and international
issues.
LEGACY
Many of the specific organisations, individuals, and projects will have their own specific
legacies, whether that is in future projects, improved skills, new connections, or increased
audiences. In terms of how the year as a whole might leave a legacy, here are some of the
key impacts.
INSPIRATION
People were excited and inspired by the year’s events, and speak passionately about them.
They want to carry on exploring and building on the activity that took place.
CONNECTIONS
Many connections were formed between individuals, such as artists, teachers, musicians,
writers, politicians, journalists, school children, and organisations, such as universities,
schools, orchestras and choirs, libraries, museums, etc., in Patagonia and Wales, as well as
in Buenos Aires.
Many of these relationships will continue; 44% of those who answered the online survey
expect to sustain the new working relationships that they formed during the year, both in the
UK and abroad.
PUBLIC AWARENESS
People are far more aware of both the history of Patagonia, its links to Wales, and its current
situation. This awareness has been built through excellent media coverage both in Wales
and in Argentina:
The fact that our news crews covered Carwyn Jones’s visit to Argentina, with
outputs in both languages, signified how historically important is to audiences
in both countries. Audiences in Wales could see the scale of celebrations
there and it brought home how important it was to people in Argentina. –
Lowri Rhys Davies
30
The anniversary year made a big impact on the public in both Wales and Argentina:
I talked to members of staff at Menter Patagonia and they liked it because
there was a big buzz for the whole year. Most years some people from
Patagonia come to Wales but this year they decided not to as there was so
much happening in Patagonia for the anniversary. The publicity, the radio
programmes, it’s been really good. – Eleri Mai Thomas
67% of those who answered the online survey believed that they had developed sustainable
new audiences as a result of the year’s activities, while 50% of respondents think that
their/their organisation’s profile will be increased long-term in the press/media as a result.
INSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL AWARENESS
The year’s activities significantly raised awareness of Patagonia and its links with Wales
among politicians and institutions in Argentina.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BRITISH COUNCIL WALES AND BRITISH
COUNCIL ARGENTINA
The two offices worked regularly together throughout the year, resulting in an improved
reciprocal understanding of each other’s work and context and closer working relationships.
WELSH LANGUAGE
The programme boosted the Welsh language in many ways, including creating links
between young Welsh speakers in Wales and Patagonia, creating new artistic works in
Welsh, and inspiring more people to learn the language. The British Council Argentina are
exploring a number of options for sustaining and building on this, including continuing the
sessions led by a Welsh language teacher at the main English-language teachers
conference in Argentina, and starting negotiations with the National Ministry of Education in
Argentina for a Welsh language assistant:
It’s important to develop these relationships at a national level to gain greater
support for the programme. It would be a shame not to take advantage of
everything that’s happened in 2015. We’re trying to find a way in which we
can bring Wales and the Welsh language programme into the rest of the work
we do. We are also considering using a remote teaching centre to deliver a
Welsh language course, or maybe Welsh language conversation group for
Welsh speakers who are isolated in different parts of Argentina. – Mary
Godward
It also inspired many people from Wales who took part in projects to take a greater interest
in learning the Welsh language:
Coming from an anglicised area of Cardiff, I have never learnt Welsh or even
learnt many of the Welsh songs so key to our culture. I never thought of
getting involved with Welsh language festivals, but this tour opened to me a
new world. I have found in my heart pride which has passed through Welsh
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music I’ve sung half way around the world.– Matthew Welch, Bass, National
Youth Choir of Wales8
EDUCATION
Another bilingual school in Patagonia was opened as a result of the First Minister’s visit:
The school in Gaiman, on the coast, had been promised a building by the
provincial government for many years and nothing seemed to be happening.
Suddenly one week before the visit of the Welsh First Minister they were
given a building. So I think the visit and the celebration did put pressure on
the provincial government to move ahead with certain promises they’d made.
– Mary Godward
The community in the Andes, however, still have not received the funding that they were
promised for their new school building. They are hoping that the new provincial government
will go through with the promises made by the previous government.
New education resources about Patagonia have also been created in three languages:
Welsh, English, and Spanish.
Schools also benefitted from visits from the National Orchestra of Wales learning team, and
from the People’s Collection Wales as well as other smaller projects.
MUSIC
If the primary legacy of the 1965 centenary celebrations was the benefits it brought to the
Welsh language in Patagonia, the emphasis in 2015 was somewhat different. Music In
particular emerged as a crucial part of shared heritage and a way for people to
communicate, regardless of the language they speak: ‘The language of music can be shared
by all people.’ [GW] This emerged in multiple projects, such as the National Youth Choir tour
and the BBC NOW tour. With the conversion of the wool warehouse in Trelew, there is now
a world-class venue for concerts to be performed.
OBJECTIVES, IMPACTS, AND KPIS (TABLE)
This report has considered the impacts of seven major projects, and 24 smaller projects.
Although impossible to quantify exact numbers involved, the table below indicates some of
the most important impacts and achievements of the year’s activities, with examples of each,
and how these relate to the British Council’s Key Performance Indicators for Arts activity.
Broad Objectives
Strengthen the cultural
links between Wales and
Patagonia
8
Specific Impacts and Examples
Cultural links were strengthened through a wide
variety of projects and reciprocal visits, e.g. the
National Orchestra of Wales residency
https://tycerddp150.wordpress.com/2015/11/03/matthew-welsh-bass/
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KPIs
PROFILE
CONNECTIONS
Broad Objectives
Specific Impacts and Examples
KPIs
Highlight the positive
relationship between
Argentina and the UK
The positive relationship between Argentina and the
UK, particularly between Wales and Patagonia, was
highlighted through press and media coverage, e.g.
BBC season, visit of First Minister Carwyn Jones
REACH
Raise the profile of
Wales and Welsh artists
and cultural
organisations in
Patagonia and
throughout Argentina
Wales and Welsh artists’ profile was raised
significantly, with a greater visibility throughout
Argentina as a result of the celebrations, e.g.
extensive coverage of the NOW tour in Argentina
REACH
Reach new audiences in
Patagonia and elsewhere
in Argentina
New audiences were reached in Patagonia through
exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, e.g. the Mimosa
theatre production
REACH
Welsh artists showing
work in new territories
Work was shown both in new physical territories, e.g.
the Welsh musicians who performed in Latin America,
and virtual, e.g. people accessing Marc Rees’ {150}
and the Galesa film online
PROFILE
Form new significant
connections between
arts companies and
artists in Wales and
Patagonia
Connections were formed between musicians and
composers in Patagonia and Wales, e.g. the Ty Cerdd
composer exchange
CONNECTIONS
Develop the skills of
Welsh artists and
organisations
Welsh artists and organisations developed their skills
through touring, adapting their existing practice to
Patagonian contexts, e.g. the National Orchestra of
Wales took their Learning Programme on the road for
the first time. 1/3 of survey respondents anticipate
developing their skills further as a result of the year’s
activities
SKILLS
Help to develop the skills
of international artists
and organisations
Artists and organisations in Patagonia developed skills
with the help of Welsh visitors, e.g. the People’s
Collection Wales visit where they trained National
Library of Argentina staff
SKILLS
Many organisations and artists developed new
Explore, develop, and
innovative ways of working together, e.g. Welsh
evaluate new innovative
ways of working together classical musicians and Patagonian indigenous
musicians worked together for the first time, new use
of technology, e.g. the world-record long-distance
duet. Also new ways of training, and putting on
exhibitions were developed, e.g. the National
Waterfront Museum exhibition
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CONNECTIONS
PROFILE
CONNECTIONS
PROFILE
PROFILE
CONNECTIONS
INNOVATION
Broad Objectives
Specific Impacts and Examples
KPIs
Help Welsh artists and
organisations to secure
new commissions,
franchises, and
contracts
Welsh artists and organisations secured contracts to
perform and produce various artistic projects during
the year, e.g. the show about William Jones that
toured to schools through Wales
ENTERPRISE
Attract significant
amounts of in-kind
and/or co-creation
funding
In-kind and co-creation funding was attracted from
both large and small funding bodies, e.g. Wales Arts
International, Arts Council of Wales, Welsh
Government, local councils, sponsorships, etc.
LEVERAGE
THANKS TO THE BRITISH COUNCIL
I’d just like to thank whoever had the idea of celebrating it and making it a big
event. A lot of people have been excited to see stuff on TV and radio and in
magazines. It’s put it on a platform. – Eleri Mai Thomas
I also wanted to mention the invaluable advice we’ve had from the British
Council Argentina. Having that aspect of contact and trust, someone you
could pick up the phone and ask for advice; the role the British Council
Argentina played was very central in terms of understanding context and
cultural differences. I spent a lot of time with Mary Godward, including an 8
hour road trip between the two Welsh communities in Patagonia. – Suzanne
Hay
Thank you to Lyndsey Halliday who helped promote the work of the Swansea
Patagonia 150 project. Your help was much appreciated. – Survey
respondent
I’m very grateful to the British Council. It was fantastic they supported it and I
hope they were happy with it. Wales Arts International funded a lot of my trips
and that was absolutely crucial, to go several times and talk to people, get
them on board, for filming. That support was absolutely key. – Marc Rees
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1: WEB LINKS AND PRESS
Patagonia 150, official website www.patagonia150.org
150, S4c http://www.s4c.cymru/150/
150, National Theatre Wales https://www.nationaltheatrewales.org/150
'150 years of the Welsh in Patagonia: Reflections on a Legacy', Aberystwyth University
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/interpol/research/conferences/conferences20142015/150yearsofthewelshinpatagoniareflectionsonalegacy/
34
‘A unique insight into the Welsh Settlement in Patagonia’, Cardiff University News, 22 June
2015 http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/114758-cynhadledd-y-wladfa
‘BBC Wales Director presents 'rich archive' to schools in Patagonia as part of anniversary’,
BBC, 30 October 2015 http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/patagoniaarchive
‘Mark Bowden | Composer: We Have Found a Better Land’
http://www.markbowden.net/music/wehavefoundabetterland.html
Caban, S4C http://www.s4c.cymru/caban/?p=12267&lang=en
‘Catherine ayer y hoy’, CENPAT, 21 August 2015 http://www.cenpatconicet.gob.ar/catherine-ayer-y-hoy/
Catrin Finch's Patagonia diary: 'Wales survives here through music', The Guardian, 10 Nov
2015 http://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2015/nov/10/bbc-national-orchestra-ofwales-catrin-finch-patagonia-diary
CCIC / NYCW PATAGONIA 150, Taith Côr Cenedlaethol Ieuenctid Cymru i’r Ariannin /
National Youth Choir of Wales Tour to Argentina, Official Blog
https://tycerddp150.wordpress.com/
‘Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Welsh Colony in Patagonia’, Cymdeithas CymruAriannin/Wales Argentina Society http://www.cymru-ariannin.com/en/dathliad150.php
Eryl Crump, ‘Campaign to send two new harps to Patagonia ahead of 150th anniversary
celebrations’ Daily Post, 22 Jan 2015 http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/local-news/campaignsend-two-new-harps-8495135
Gwydion Davies, ‘£6,500 Raised for Harp For Patagonia Appeal’, Canolfan Gerdd William
Matthias, 13 Mar 2015 http://www.cgwm.org.uk/posts/10/6500-raised-for-harp-forpatagonia-appeal-1
‘DNA solves 20-year-old Patagonia bones mystery’, BBC News, 21 April 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-32385545
‘Film remembers the other side of the Welsh Patagonian story’, News North Wales, 3 August
2015 http://www.newsnorthwales.co.uk/news/151018/film-remembers-the-other-side-of-thewelsh-patagonian-story.aspx
Lyn Gardner, ‘The only way is Patagonia: the Welsh adventure to South America’, The
Guardian, 30 Jun 2015 http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2015/jun/30/patagonia-welshvalleys-south-america-s4c-150
Carolyn Hitt, ‘From Prosecco on Mill Lane to trekking around Patagonia - our Velindre
adventure is here’, Wales Online, 21 Nov 2015 http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/walesnews/prosecco-mill-lane-trekking-around-10474886
Prof E Wyn James, ‘Viewpoint: The Argentines who speak Welsh’, BBC Magazine, 16 Oct
2014 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-29611380
Ben Johnson, ‘The History of Patagonia’, Historic UK http://www.historicuk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofWales/The-History-of-Patagonia/
35
Kate Maltby, ‘{150} at Royal Opera House Stores, Aberdare’, The Times, 1 July 2015
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/stage/theatre/article4483892.ece
‘Mimosa a Patagonia’, Liverpool Welsh Society, http://www.liverpoolwelsh.co.uk/mimosa_a_patagonia.htm
‘MIMOSA Theatre for Young People: My Land, My People, My Language: 23 May - 9 July
2015’, Theatr Clwyd https://www.theatrclwyd.com/en/whats-on/mimosa/
National Youth Ensembles commission's 2015 http://www.tycerdd.org/youth-music/youthcommissions-2015
‘New exhibition tells the story of Y Wladfa - the Welsh Colony in Patagonia’, Museum Wales,
21 Aug 2015 http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/news/?article_id=935
Parot Piws Educational Resources http://www.parotpiws.com/patagonia/main/
‘Patagonia Trek Success!’, Velindre Fundraising, December 14, 2015
http://velindrefundraising.com/index.php?id=10&news=290
People’s Collection Wales: Patagonia
http://www.peoplescollection.wales/discover/query/patagonia
Karen Price, ‘Hollywood star Matthew Rhys backs major Patagonia drama’ Wales Online, 2
Jul 2014
Karen Price, ‘12 stunning paintings by Kyffin Williams which paint the artist in a whole new
light’, Wales Online, 26 Feb 2015 http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culturenews/12-stunning-paintings-kyffin-williams-8728351
Neil Prior, ‘Patagonia 150 years on: A “little Wales beyond Wales”', BBC News, 30 May 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-32919137
‘Radio Cymru's Shân Cothi reveals details of world-record attempt for BBC Music Day’,
BBC, 18 May 2015 http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/radio-cymru-duet-forbbc-music-day
Adam Somerset, ‘Masterly, Multi-media, Magnificence’, Theatre Wales http://www.theatrewales.co.uk/reviews/reviews_details.asp?reviewID=3415
‘The Only way is Patagonia for Pobol y Cwm actress’, S4c, 24 Jul 2015
http://www.s4c.cymru/caban/?p=12290&lang=en
Huw Thomas, ‘BBC National Orchestra of Wales first for Patagonia’, BBC News, 22 October
2015 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-34591803
Touring Patagonia with new production, Urdd http://www.urdd.cymru/en/news-press/touringpatagonia-new-production/
Holly Williams, ‘150: recounting the story of how one area of South America became 'Wales
away from Wales', The Independent, 6 June 2015 http://www.independent.co.uk/artsentertainment/theatre-dance/features/150-recounting-the-story-of-how-one-area-of-southamerica-became-wales-away-from-wales-10300029.html
APPENDIX 2: OTHER MATERIAL CONSULTED
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People’s Collection Wales Presentation
Fengtian Li Evaluation Report
APPENDIX 3: ARTS OUTCOMES
The activity supported the following British Council Arts Outcomes:
ARTISTS PROSPER:







Artistic practice of a broad and diverse range of artists in the UK and overseas
developed by working internationally;
More UK work shown overseas;
UK artists develop new markets;
Cultural and commercial growth for UK and international artists and creative
practitioners;
UK artists and arts professionals have more contact and deeper connection with
international counterparts;
There is more international collaboration;
This continues beyond our projects.
SKILLS DEVELOP; INSTITUTIONS PROSPER:




Creative and cultural institutions developed overseas and in the UK, informed and
inspired by one another;
Improved leadership and skills in the creative sector overseas, informed and inspired
by the UK;
Civil society, social cohesion and freedom of expression overseas strengthened
through art and culture, informed and inspired by the UK;
A strengthened international dimension to UK arts programming.
AUDIENCES GROW:

International audiences developed for UK work, and UK audiences developed for
international work, that inspires, entertains and transforms;

International audiences have access to the breadth and diversity of UK arts.
UK REPUTATION GROWS:

By sharing best practice with the creative sector there is international acclaim for,
and adaptation of, UK innovations for cultural and commercial growth.
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