Rhun is currently working as a parliamentary officer in Westminster. He is particularly interested in language and literature, which he studied at university in Edinburgh before living and working there for several years. Originally from Mid-Wales, he is now based in London, is passionate about creative writing and cinema, and has previous experience as a translator from English to Welsh.
Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. She explores the creative possibilities and unique qualities of the triple harp, and is also interested in found sounds, archival materials and electronic processing. She comes from Machynlleth, Wales, where rivers and roads meet on the way to the sea
Sasha Arridge, based in Oxford and originally from Oswestry, is a philosopher deeply engaged in aPhD program centred around moral philosophy. His primary academic interests encompass meta-ethics, addiction, death, and the ethics of uncivil disobedience. Beyond his philosophical pursuits, he enjoys amateur running, DJing, and exploring stand-up comedy.
The Radio 2 Early Breakfast Show team’s 'very own bottle of pop AP’ by day and Bengo Media client experience ninja by night, overseeing social and sneaking in some podcast production on the side. You’ll find Kayleigh in her happy place surrounded in a sea of multi-coloured post-its (other brands available) and lists. Kayleigh has a varied background from working in social media management, tv presenting, producing radio and hosting podcasting workshops across Wales.
Owen Wood is the visionary behind Resonate, Mid Wales' top indoor dance music event, and the driving force behind Escalate Audio label. Since 2016, he champions the local music scene, spotlighting emerging talents and reviving Mid Wales' underground culture. Owen's creative insights also shape Stiwdio Dyfi, showcasing his commitment to community and innovation.
A 22-year-old non-binary actor, poet, and writer. A recent Goldsmiths BA Drama graduate, they lead The Glass Collective—Associate Artist awardee—probing digital self-image, societal biases via AI. Their current solo project challenges notions of natural and unnatural, exposing the arbitrary boundaries we often accept.
Lil Woods is Co-Founder & Project Manager at STOP London which offers high quality courses in Theatre of the Oppressed (TO). Lil is an artist and facilitator whose work spans theatre, performance, education and activism. Having worked in a wide range of environments and communities, she is currently specialising in working with children and young people in a range of inner-city and rural areas. Lil is a workshop leader at Tender, a community artist at Common Ground, and an education consultant at the community energy organisation Repowering London. Lil trained as a TO facilitator with Adrian Jackson in 2018, and uses the foundational principles of TO in all of her work.
A versatile artist, Alys thrives within her multifaceted talents, nurtured in an artistic upbringing. Already this year, she achieved notable milestones, including her first solo exhibition at Mid Wales Arts, a performance with Sywel Nyw on the Eisteddfod main stage, and a current singing venture in Glasgow. Recording in Borth, her forthcoming album is set to make its mark this year. With a background as a radio DJ and a penchant for performing in various venues, Alys aspires to reach new heights in her artistic journey.
A 22-year-old creative from Machynlleth, Izak recognizes the transformative role of creativity in culture and community. Splitting time between home, Birmingham, and Cardiff during university, he values open-mindedness and multiculturalism. Notably, his experimental Welsh hip-hop project, Sachasom, earned him the 2022 Brwydr y Bandiau award and supported renowned artist Pat Morgan from Datblygu. Izak aims to invigorate Machynlleth's creative scene by encouraging creativity, enabling refreshing interactions with art while transcending boundaries.
Vega is a singer/song-writer, writer and journalist in the making. By merging her love for music and the arts, Vega likes to explore the dynamic realm of communication through all of her work. She is passionate about promoting the importance of supporting local talent and creating a space that fosters creativity. She is excited to support artists from the Dyfi Biosphere with their initiative to invigorate the arts scene in Wales, and is thrilled to help ignite a communal passion for artistic expression.
Bethan Reast is a freelance animator and illustrator based in Mid Wales. She has been involved with a number of projects in and outside of Wales facilitating all things animation and illustration related - with particular fondness for 2D figurative drawing. Some of her better known pieces are music videos such as ‘Schadenfreude’ for Party Hardly, ‘Team Leader’ for Michael B Thomas, and the Royal Television Society Nominated ‘Home Sweet Home’ short documentary. You can also find her local work in Machynlleth in the Owain Glyndwr Centre, Radio Dyfi’s website, and in Llanidloes’s Hanging Gardens/Wilderness Trust.
With roots in Mid-Wales, Nina now divides her time between Manchester, aspiring to become a performer and theatre-maker. Her passion lies in contemporary works exploring themes of social injustice and climate action. Engaging in community projects, she seeks to enhance opportunities for rural youth and contributes to 'green schemes' like Gerddi Bro Dyfi Gardens, Machynlleth.
A graduate of Coleg Ceredigion in Aberystwyth, Tatyana's artistic foundation was marked by gallery installations fusing image and sound to probe environmental themes. Integral to the Mid Wales Youth strikes, she orchestrated protests advocating change. A skilled documentary photographer, she tracked the Extinction Rebellion movement nationwide. Currently pursuing her third year of Midwifery studies at the University of Bangor, Tatyana's diverse pursuits reflect her dedication to both artistic expression and societal betterment.
A 24-year-old carpenter/joiner originally from Caersws, Brennig now resides in Machynlleth. His craftsmanship involves creating doors, windows, and furniture. Beyond carpentry, he combines his love for painting and playing musical instruments, aspiring to merge these passions with his woodworking skills. Brennig's active lifestyle includes immersing himself in nature, and he actively engages with the local community through social events, clubs, and community projects.
An Aberystwyth-based editor and scriptwriter, Jay has deep local roots. Recognizing the scarcity of opportunities for youth outside southern Wales, especially in media, he's committed to effecting change. Through his work, he strives to open doors and empower young talent, contributing to a brighter future beyond regional limitations.
