Open call for craftsperson: Eisteddfod Chair commission

We're looking for a craftsperson/s to create the Chair for Eisteddfod y Garreg Las, 2026

The concept

We invite people to express an interest in designing and creating the National Eisteddfod Chair. It will be presented to the winner of one of the Eisteddfod's most prestigious poetic competition, which will be held in Llantood, nr Eglwyswrw between 1 – 8 August 2026. The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (APCAP) is sponsoring the Eisteddfod Chair in 2026; therefore they will contract the successful candidate in due course.

The Chair is one of the most prestigious prizes at the Eisteddfod, and the design and construction should be of the highest standard. It will receive public exposure, with the Chair being a presented during a televised ceremony at the Eisteddfod. Therefore, the final design presented will need approval from the Executive Gorsedd Board before any work can commence.

Design criteria

The design must celebrate and be inspired by local landscape, culture 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 y Garreg Las 2026
Note: No other words are allowed to be inscribed on the Chair
The Chair should be completed by 1 April 2026

It is the National Park Authority's wish that the successful candidate develops the concept with GCSE aged pupils in various schools within the area as part of the process of designing and creating the Chair. The exact commitment and terms to be agreed between the successful applicant and the National Park Authority.

Where appropriate it is hoped that the Chair will be created from wood originating within the National Park. This can be discussed with the National Park Authority.

/|\ Y Nod Cyfrin

The Secret Sign /|\ or the Sign of the Light Ray is a symbol invented by Iolo Morganwg to represent Love, Justice andthe 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 Chair is up to £3,000 (+ VAT if the designer is VAT registered), to be paid in three instalments on receipt of a detailed budget and invoice:

Stage 1 – Vision and draft plan and approval by all stakeholders – 1st payment of 33%
Stage 2 –2nd Payment of 33% at the end of December 2025
Stage 3 – Completion of the Chair: final payment once completion and approved by the Authority and the Eisteddfod. An official photo of the Chair must be arranged soon after 1 April 2026.

Schedule

Applications must be submitted before 17:00 on Monday 12 May 2025;
Interviews for the shortlisted candidates will be held w/c 26 May 2025;
Provide and present the initial vision/concept and draft plan ready for the interview;
The winning candidate will be informed soon after the interview;
The winning design will need to be approved by APCAP and the Gorsedd Board;
The Chair will need to be completed by 1 April 2026;
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 Chair: The Chair 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 Chairing Ceremony is on Friday 7 August 2026;
Once completed, the successful candidate should provide various standard photos of the crown to be included in the official Eisteddfod Programme.

How to apply

Submit your application to Tegryn Jones tegrynj@arfordirpenfro.org.uk before 17:00 on Monday 12 May

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.
A 100-word statement listing any experience of working with pupils and other stakeholders.
Estimated of project budget including breakdown of the prospective costs (£3k).
Contact details of two previous clients who can provide a reference.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to make a 30-minute presentation on Zoom and take part in a short discussion with a panel which will include the sponsor (APCAP), local stakeholders together with either the National Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director and/or Competitions Manager during w/c 26 May 2025 (the exact date and time to be agreed with the candidate after the deadline).