Next steps

Having discovered the cultural and poetic parallels between the two countries, we now want to deepen and strengthen these connections.  

The creative development and research team of poets Yasus Afari and Rhys Trimble, along with the members of the Learning Links International who supported the pilot research, are currently reviewing how best to take this forward, having delivered a show and workshops based on the initial pioneering research project which brought to light evidence of the combined heritage in poetry shared by Wales and Jamaica.

We want to present these to new audiences, and also audiences associated with wider range of art forms. Understanding the shared histories of Wales and Jamaica is at the heart of the project. We have already found that the process of undertaking this research has created a strong connection between the Welsh and Jamaican literary players and organisation who are excited to explore and share this further in the future leading to further inclusive projects. 



The creative team can see the potential to start to develop new models in poetry by sharing unique features, to create and broaden the poetry art form.  By introducing Dub-poetry to Welsh poetry audiences and vice-versa there is clearly the potential a 'creoling' of artforms. We also found that the project filled a gap in provision, by linking the perceived provincialism of Welsh culture in contact with the creative culture from Jamaica that has had an incredible impact worldwide showcasing poetry through the music of reggae. The project has opened-up opportunities for Welsh artists to collaborate with Jamaican artists and vice-versa with planned collaborations already in discussion. 



Inclusivity and sensitivity to bi-cultural environments has been central to this project. Giving full respect and recognition to the use of Welsh and Jamaican as languages which have been oppressed in the past is key to this. Our Jamaica colleagues are keen to explore further the journey that Wales has taken in rehabilitating its language, and to reflect on the current position of Jamaican as a language, not as a mere 'Patwa', in it's struggle to be recognised as an official minority language like Welsh.

Check out http://www.mona.uwi.edu/dllp/jlu/