We believe in the transformative power of the arts to create positive change. Our own productions, learning hubs and programme of theatre, cabaret and art fire the imagination of all.

As a national arts and learning centre, we aim to contribute to Welsh culture in all its diversity, to nurture Welsh talent and young people in a range of skills related to the arts and offer a platform for our national artists to tell their story.

As a bilingual nation we celebrate and champion Welsh language artists, presenting and producing performances bilingually.

More than ever, we collaborate with young people, artists, community members, cultural organisations and our audiences to mutually create a home for the arts in Wales which is joyful and relevant to all.

Creative production: We make theatre, festivals, events and digital experiences which entertain, stimulate, and inspire our audiences at home and further afield. In our mission to nurture talent, we also offer a platform to local artists to support their journey in the industry.

So far, we have successfully produced/co-produced 14 shows and are developing a rich slate of productions with diverse artists, writers and directors all with a strong story to tell.

Learning programme: We believe culture has the power to raise the aspirations of those who have had more challenges than most and create life-enhancing experiences.

Our learning programme is targeted at 11–25-year-olds and consists of digital learning experiences and practical skills workshops and courses co-created with young people, for young people.

We ensure we give the next generation ownership of these spaces and freedom to tell their story and be creative in the way they choose.

Community engagement:  Audiences and community are at the heart of what we do; we find new ways to engage with our local and national community but we also embed their diverse voices in the foundation of our programme. We give communities the opportunity to plan and curate their own events in our public spaces and to perform at signature events like Festival of Voice.

We give them a platform to tell stories about themselves, their histories, and cultures. We work to ensure that anyone and everyone can access our shows through community ticketing giving free or subsidised tickets to around a 1,000 community groups and individuals, and 6,500 school children and teachers a year.

Theatre programme: Our Donald Gordon Theatre welcomes high-quality, award-winning productions fresh from the West End. Having dazzled over seven million people globally, the National Theatre’s War Horse recently returned to our stage and was attended by 50 school groups from across Wales.

The RSC’s production of Matilda proved hugely popular with over 80,000 people of all ages. Our resident company, Welsh National Opera presents several seasons of outstanding work to over 25,000 ticket buyers a year.

Cabaret: Our programme of comedy, cabaret, drag, music and spoken word brings together experimental and celebrated acts from the very best in contemporary theatre and performance. The programme welcomes performers from local, bilingual and LGBQT+ communities to offer a stage to all.

Public spaces: As well as welcoming our local community to use our space, host events, contribute to exhibitions and perform on our stages, we also curate exciting public art to inspire everyone.

We recently displayed two magnificent sculptures by UK artist Luke Jerram, Museum of the Moon and Gaia which took over our Glanfa foyer.