Governance
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama is the National Conservatoire of Wales. It contributes to the cultural identity of Cardiff and Wales and attracts some of the most gifted students from around the world.
Who we are
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama attracts the best creative talent from across the globe. As Wales’ national conservatoire, we fire imagination and drive innovation, offering training to more than 800 actors, musicians, designers, technicians and arts managers from more than 40 countries.
Our students’ extraordinary talent and potential is fused with exceptional teaching and unrivalled industry links, to bring dreams to life. A space for everyone, creative ambition and collaboration are central to our excellence.
Excellence empowered
Our students are immersed in a live industry environment from the moment they arrive, engaging audiences in their work at every opportunity. They push boundaries, collaborate and create new work across a range of professional and community settings.
In addition to a diverse programme of performances involving students of all disciplines, the College attracts leading international artists, providing opportunities for students to learn up-close from some of the world's most renowned performers. With some of Wales’ most prestigious venues we operate a dynamic arts centre, and our performance programme of world class professionals is integral to students’ training.
Creative diversity
The College’s events calendar encompasses over 500 public performances every year including orchestral concerts, recitals, drama, opera and musical theatre. The creative diversity of the College ensures a stimulating environment and broad experience for students of all disciplines.
Industry links
Our dedicated teachers have a wealth of professional and industry experience, and the College collaborates with a number of high-profile arts organisations, including BBC, Welsh National Opera and visiting artists and directors, to ensure that the unique vocational nature of our training programmes reflect the current practices and conditions of the professional world.
Inspired by the possibilities of performance and creative diversity we champion collaboration and empower excellence in all its forms. Passion and craft entwine with experience and play to elevate, provoke, push and transform.
Vision and strategy
Our strategic framework sets out the College’s long-term direction and priorities for the next ten years.
It is guided by our vision, mission and purpose, and underpinned by our shared values. Our vision is to change lives, transform and connect communities through the arts.
Developed through consultation with staff, students, governors and partners, the framework reflects the shared values, ambitions and purpose that shape our community and our future.
It is built around three strategic themes with diversity, inclusion and belonging woven throughout
- Creating value for Wales
- Delivering world-class training
- Strengthening sustainability
Together, these themes provide a clear foundation for how we how we move forwards together as an organisation to achieve our ambitions and strengthen our impact across Wales, the UK and internationally.
While the framework sets our long-term direction, its delivery will be shaped through ongoing consultation, annual planning, detailed plans and collaboration across the College and the wider industries.
Our values
- Expert and inclusive
- Contemporary and collaborative
- Resourceful and responsible
Together, we are here for the arts, Wales and the future.
