A WELSH-language learning centre has been hailed as an inspiration to other European countries hoping to showcase their local culture.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford has congratulated a Welsh EU-funded project decorated at this year’s RegioStars awards in Brussels.
Nant Gwrtheyrn, a Welsh-language and cultural heritage centre on the Llyn Peninsula, won the top award in the Investing in Culture Heritage category.
Nant Gwrtheyrn beat competitors from across Europe to win the 2018 RegioStars award.
The project has helped to transform a former quarry village located near the village of Llithfaen into a thriving education centre and visitor attraction.
Around 50,000 visitors a year visit the local area and 600 people attend residential Welsh language courses at the centre, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
2018 is Europe’s Year of Culture, and therefore the special topic for this year’s Regiostars Awards was the Investing in Cultural Heritage category, with the awards ceremony being part of the European Week of Regions 2018, and the 11th RegioStars awards which reward exceptional projects that have received grant support from European Structural Funds.
Approximately 6,000 people attended the conference during the week, with approximately 1,000 people at the awards ceremony, and there representing Nant Gwrtheyrn was Jim O’Rourke, the project development manager, and Catrin Roberts from WEFO, the project officers that supported Nant Gwrtheyrn during the application process.
Jim O’Rourke said: “It was an honour to represent Nant Gwrtheyrn, and to accept the Regiostars award for the best European Year of Culture project in 2018 for Investing in Cultural Heritage.
“The panel of judges praised the way Nant Gwrtheyrn has developed a viable centre using our linguistic heritage to provide Welsh for Adults courses, and opportunities for visitors to enjoy the magical setting, and to learn about our language and heritage.
“Creating 33 jobs and welcoming over 50,000 visitors annually in a deprived rural area was a special example of how the European Union’s contribution has contributed to economic, cultural and community benefits in west Wales.
“Over £2.8m of grants has been received from the European Union, as well as grants from the Welsh Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and a number of other funding bodies to secure an investment of over £6m in the village between 2008 and 2015.
“The ceremony was also an opportunity to give thanks for the support from the European Union, as we this year celebrate 40 years since the opening of the village to the first learners in 1978.”
Welsh Government officials were delighted with the award.
Finance secretary Mark Drakeford said: “I’m delighted to see this exceptional EU-funded project in Wales being recognised in Europe.
“Nant Gwrtheyrn is an inspirational example of how EU funds have a positive impact on a local area, attracting visitors and creating jobs to drive forward the economy.
Minister for Welsh language and lifelong learning Eluned Morgan added: “Nant Gwrtheyrn is an icon of Welsh culture and has helped thousands of people to learn Welsh.
“I am delighted its contribution to the local community and to Wales as a whole has been recognised at a European level.
“Llongyfarchiadau!”
The RegioStars Awards identify good practices in regional development and highlight original and innovative projects that are attractive and inspiring to other regions in the European Union.