Rachel Tresize from the Rhondda, who won the inaugural prize in 2006, and Maggie Shipstead from California, who was the 2012 winner, announced Swansea University’s sponsorship of the annual £30,000 literary award for young writers

Swansea University’s sponsorship of the Prize comes on the tenth anniversary of the launch of the University’s creative writing programme which is now recognised as one of the UK’s best. It’s hoped the synergy with the Prize, which is open to any published work written in English by an author under the age of 30 from anywhere in the world, will further raise Swansea University’s creative writing profile and attract international young literary talent.

Pictured:(l-r) Peter Stead, Rhodri Morgan, Maggie Shipstead, John Spurr, Rachel Tresize, Leighton Andrews

  Speaking at the event, which was attended by former first minister Rhodri Morgan and Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews AM, John Spurr, Head of Arts and Humanities at Swansea University said: “The Dylan Thomas Prize and Swansea University are natural partners, both rooted in a strong local tradition but with global ambitions. 

Thanks to our association with the Prize, we look forward to seeing more of the world’s finest young writers in Swansea, working with our creative writers and our students: this is all about celebrating and inspiring excellence in young people.”

The Dylan Thomas Prize was established in 2006 as one of the world’s highest paying literary awards for young writers from around the world to celebrate the legacy of Dylan Thomas, who wrote most of his best work in his 20’s. Since then, the Prize has become an unfailingly reliable guide to the best new literary talent by unearthing and recognising young writers from across the globe.

Chairman of the Dylan Thomas Prize, Peter Stead, said: “We could not be any more thrilled about the sponsorship by Swansea University. Like the Prize, Swansea University has a terrific record of uncovering and fostering new talent with its pre-eminent creative writing programme.

Like them, we also take great pride in promoting Wales on the international stage and bringing our shortlist of some of the world’s best young writers here each year.

Knowing that our sponsors share our desire to uncover the literary stars of tomorrow and bring the best to Wales is very exciting, we look forward to a long and fruitful association.”

Picture:  Cover of "Seating Arrangements" by Maggie Shipstead, winner of the 2012 Dylan Thomas Prize

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