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Wales Arts International’s New Director 

Eluned Haf is the new Director of Wales Arts International, the unique partnership between The Arts Council of Wales and British Council Wales which works to promote knowledge about contemporary arts and culture from Wales and encourages international exchange and collaboration.

Eluned Haf is originally from Bontnewydd near Caernarfon, and now lives in Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan. She is the founder of una-europa, a European communications company specialising in cultural projects, partnerships and funding.

Peter Tyndall, Chief Executive of The Arts Council of Wales, welcomed Eluned’s appointment, saying: "Eluned brings to this post a wealth of experience of developing successful cultural projects in a European and worldwide context, and her proven leadership skills, business development acumen and broad contact base means that she has the skills and resources with which to develop Wales Arts International’s activities over the coming years. I look forward to working with her in her new post."

Leigh Gibson, Director Arts at the British Council, said: "I am delighted that Eluned will be joining the team in Cardiff, and look forward to working with her on the further development of our relationship with The Arts Council of Wales."

Through her past work in Media and Communications Eluned has developed an in-depth knowledge of the creative economy, sustainable development, language, youth and education and tourism. Having worked closely with The Arts Council of Wales and a variety of cultural organisations and arts centres across Wales on promoting European opportunities and communication, she also well understands the challenges faced by arts organisations across the nation.

Of her appointment, Eluned said: "I’m delighted and honoured to be offered this post and look forward to building on the good work already established by the team"

"Our artists and our cultural assets are amongst the most valuable international ambassadors we have. They tell the world who we are and encourage others in the world to access our culture and heritage. They are also at the forefront of a rapidly growing international creative economy that has the potential to drive innovation and support re-investment in creativity".

"I look forward to attracting the best international artists to Wales and to working with partners, promoters, venues, festivals and individuals to sustain this. We can enjoy, learn and share a lot from working with other countries, cultures and influences, whilst also being proud and telling others about our own culture and languages, people and special places".

A journalist by training, Eluned has worked for BBC Wales, Reuters, ITV regions and S4C, and has worked on cultural projects in Brussels and South Africa. She speaks six languages and worked as an English and Spanish language press officer in the European Parliament. Eluned graduated with a BscEcon from Cardiff University in European Union Studies as well as a postgraduate M-Dip in Broadcast Journalism.