BBC Cymru Wales and National Theatre Wales have announced a major new partnership to develop and support new Welsh writing talent.

The annual Wales Writer in Residence award is a prestigious new scheme – worth over £12,000 to the winner – to support new writing for broadcast and theatre. It replaces the biennial Wales Drama Award which has run since 2012.

During their year-long tenure as Wales Writer in Residence, the winner will enjoy two consecutive bursaries – with both organisations – providing them with the time and space to write, as well as an opportunity to work with independent producers and BBC Studios. In addition the winning script will be commissioned and produced for BBC Radio 4 and/or BBC Sounds, securing the chosen writer a guaranteed broadcast credit.

This opportunity is open to writers who can represent the culture of Wales with authenticity (for example they may be from, or have lived or worked in Wales). The scheme will be managed by the BBC Writersroom team in Wales. Full details will be unveiled at a briefing session for writers in January.

BBC Cymru Wales Director Rhodri Talfan Davies said:

“This award is about nurturing and developing the talents of Welsh writers who are able to tell original and compelling stories. The winner will be offered a unique opportunity to develop their craft, working closely with both the BBC and National Theatre Wales. I’m delighted both organisations will continue to work closely to promote and develop Wales’ most exciting new writing talents.”

Kully Thiarai, Artistic Director of National Theatre Wales, said:

“This is a very significant development for both National Theatre Wales and BBC Cymru Wales; an annual award that will promote and support the great writing talent here in Wales. The winning writer will embed themselves firmly with both organisations, be offered a broadcast opportunity for their writing and a space to develop an original, new work for theatre. It’s a fantastic opportunity.”

The scheme is for writing in English and will launch in the new year with the winner expected to be announced in the summer.

Those keen to apply are invited to register their interest here to be kept informed of the application process.