Case Study 2024: ASONE Hub and Gorsedh Cornwall – Engaging with Cornish Culture

Project Overview
The Gorsedh is a cultural organisation that celebrates Cornish heritage, language, literature, art, and music. In partnership with the Gorsedh, ASONE Hub has created opportunities for young people to experienceand participate in Cornish cultural activities at their annual festival, from ceremonial traditions to Cornish language and music. This collaboration is fostering a deeper connection with Cornish heritage  between the gorsedh and young people, aiming to integrate Cornish heritage activities into youth culture in a meaningful way. 

Activity

• For the past two years, ASONE has collaborated with a youth media team to film and livestream the Gorsedh ceremony so that Cornish bards worldwide can participate in the ceremonial activities remotely.
• The 2024 Gorsedh ceremony included performances by the St Austell Brass Band and the Cornwall Youth Choirs.
• The Gorsedh has actively supported ASONE’s Cornish language initiatives, encouraging greater integration of youth music activities within the organisation.
• Discussions are underway to include youth folk ensembles and music in the Lorient Festival, where the Gorsedh plays a significant role.
• By connecting young people to cultural activities like the Ordinalia, Cornish folk stories and the Gorsedh as well as linking these activities to the wider Celtic network the partnership aims to instil pride and attachment to Cornwall’s history and traditions.

Impact
The partnership between ASONE Hub and the Gorsedh has enabled young people to connect with and participate in Cornish cultural heritage actively. Through livestreamed ceremonies, youth media engagement, and performance opportunities, the collaboration has made Cornish culture more accessible to young people, fostering pride and a sense of identity.

Legacy
ASONE Hub and the Gorsedh plan to continue nurturing youth involvement in Cornish culture. Future projects will further integrate Cornish language, music, and traditions into youth programming, creating a lasting impact by building a generation proud of their cultural heritage and equipped to carry these traditions forward.

Further comments/information
The collaboration with the Gorsedh underscores ASONE Hub’s commitment to promoting Cornish culture and youth development. Both organisations look forward to supporting the next generation in celebrating and preserving Cornwall’s unique heritage.