We are Arts Trust

Arts Trust is a registered charity, founded in 2012, built on the belief that world-class culture is for everyone. We empower communities through culture with a mission to reduce loneliness and isolation, particularly in marginalised and rural communities. Working in partnership with local residents, we co-design festivals, events and programmes that champion inclusivity and representation for those too often excluded from cultural life, while connecting communities with internationally recognised artists to create work that is both creatively exceptional and rooted in real places.

We bring high-end professional artists into community settings, nurturing participation, relationships and new creative partnerships. We are committed to developing new work, such as ReConnection, a new music production produced and commissioned by Arts Trust, currently touring featuring Dame Evelyn Glennie and Catrin Finch. Alongside our live programme, we have a strong track record on screen, having produced dance films for BBC, Sky Arts and Channel 4, bringing powerful performance to broad audiences.

In 2025, our work reached over 32,500 audience members, employed 485 people, engaged 3,542 young people and collaborated with 56 community partners. Our flagship initiatives include King’s Cross Summer Sounds, a 11-day programme of music and dance at Coal Drops Yard in the heart of London; Summer in the Park, a series of community festivals across London and the South East creating safe, vibrant public spaces and addressing social isolation; and St Osyth Summer Sounds, a free music and food festival in Tendring set within the historic grounds of St Osyth Priory. In 2025 we were shortlisted for the Fantastic for Families Awards, were runners up in the Tending4Growth Leisure & Hospitality Business Awards and won the London Sport Community Impact Award for our Silent Disco SkateJam & Street Food Festivals.

Our key theories of change:

  • Through flagship initiatives such as Summer in the Park and King’s Cross Summer Sounds, we create vibrant, inclusive spaces where people can gather, connect, and participate in cultural activities. Each year, our events engage over 30,000 audience members across 14 festivals, with significant participation from local residents and community groups. We strategically focus on areas where social isolation is prevalent, such as rural communities in Tendring, or low socioeconomic communities in Thamesmead, tailoring our events to promote social interaction and developing friendships. Audience feedback demonstrates the value of these interventions, in 2024, 94% of attendees reported feeling more connected to their community, and 87% said attending our events improved their wellbeing.

  • Our approach to programming is deeply community-centric. We collaborate with residents’ associations and community panels to co-design events that reflect the specific needs and aspirations of local people. In 2024/25, Summer in the Park included 24 community-led performances and 29 participatory workshops, directly involving 136 local community members. Feedback highlighted a strong sense of ownership and pride: “It’s just what we needed in this area - somewhere the kids can come and have fun. Fun for all the family and dog” (Participant, 2025)

  • The arts have a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing, and our programmes are designed to promote both physical and emotional health. Performances such as Fire Songs for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) offered immersive, sensory experiences that enhanced emotional wellbeing. By collaborating with specialist organisations like Frozen Light, we ensure that programming is inclusive and accessible, supporting a broad spectrum of health outcomes. As one parent reflected: “We won’t ever forget today’s show… it was one of the most moving, magical and uplifting experiences we’ve had since my daughter was born.” (Participant, 2024)

  • Our commitment to supporting creative careers is evident in the employment and training opportunities we provide. In 2023, we employed 224 individuals, 62% from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, reflecting our dedication to diversity and inclusion in the creative industries. Across our programmes, 307 freelancers were employed, including 245 young people under 30, all paid above London Living Wage. We work closely with emerging artists and young people, offering performance platforms at events such as King’s Cross Summer Sounds.

Meet the Team

  • A man holds a film slate in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other, standing in front of a beige brick wall.

    Dr Martin Collins

    Founder & CEO

    Martin, is an award-winning producer, has a flourishing career in music and dance, producing over 30 touring productions and holding Executive Director roles for Russell Maliphant Dance Company, Boy Blue Entertainment, and Darren Ellis Dance. He previously managed the Centre for Advanced Training at Trinity Laban. As a producer, he has worked on feature films for the BBC and Sky Arts, including projects with Boy Blue, Danny Boyle and BalletBoyz. He is currently a Trustee for Kings Place Music Foundation.

  • A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a black shirt and vest, standing inside a wooden tent or pavilion.

    Bella Scarr

    Producer & Project Manager

    Bella, is responsible for curating, producing and delivering the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival each year. She also founded The Food Producers Club, a community group for businesses in the F&B industry, and is owner/director of Relish Projects, a specialist project management company. PRINCE2 Practitioner qualified. Strong operations professional with a BA (Hons), 2:1 from University of Leeds.

  • A man standing outdoors overlooking a harbor with boats and buildings, with a coastal town in the background.

    David Salter

    Production Manager

    David, is a Technical Production Manager specialising in site-specific projects, festivals, touring, and dance. Based in London, he has worked internationally with companies like Akram Khan, Cheek by Jowl, Punch Drunk, and Jasmin Vardimon. He collaborates annually with Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, and Tete a Tete Festival. David advises on theatre creation and conversions, consulting for The Theatres' Trust and the Nursery Theatre, and managed Arcola Theatre’s relocation.

  • Jon Newey

    Fundraising Consultant
    (Charity Fundraising Ltd)

    Jon, is a seasoned fundraising strategist with over a decade of Senior Leadership positions in Community Anchor Organisations, I now support a diverse portfolio of UK charities at Charity Fundraising Ltd. My current portfolio of clients ranges from big to small and includes community facilities, health based organisations, addiction support, arts access/empowerment, older people's services to name a few.

  • Close-up of a smiling bald man with a beard, standing outdoors with blurred buildings in the background.

    Tom McGarva

    Public Relations (Sundae Communications)

    Tom, is a Senior Account Director at Sundae Communications, specialising in publicity across culture and entertainment, including TV, film, festivals, theatre, and more. With over nine years at Sundae, he champions creative projects nationally and internationally while emphasising the North West's cultural scene. Tom also serves as Press and Publicity Manager for Shangri-La Glastonbury and Lost Horizon HQ, where he drives impactful campaigns blending activism, art, and digital innovation. His prior experience includes marketing roles at Living Ventures Restaurants and Black Dog Ballroom. Known for strategic communications, Tom excels in creating unique narratives and fostering community engagement in cultural spaces.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and bangs, smiling, wearing a white blouse with a floral pattern.

    Professor Angela Pickard, PhD

    Chair of the Board

    Angela, is the Director of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care. Angela is a dancer, choreographer, practitioner and academic. She became the first Professor of Dance Education in 2021. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in arts research, particularly dance and movement practices, and a passion for exploring the value and relationship between arts and physical, psychological, social and artistic outcomes.

  • A woman taking a selfie indoors near a large stained glass window with a geometric design, in a historical building with stone architecture.

    Hamble Wallace

    Trustee

    Hamble, is an accomplished arts fundraiser with extensive experience in major UK cultural institutions. As Director of Development at Sadler’s Wells, she leads strategic fundraising efforts to support artistic programming and growth. Hambel has held pivotal roles at Battersea Arts Centre, Dance Umbrella, and the National Theatre, where she oversaw the £80m NT Future campaign. Her expertise extends to consulting, working with organisations like Theatres Trust. A skilled strategist and relationship builder, she excels in revenue generation and championing arts accessibility and inclusivity.

  • Black and white portrait of a man in a suit with a polka dot tie, looking directly at the camera with a slight smile, and a hand resting on his shoulder.

    Harry MacAuslan

    Trustee

    Harry, has worked at J Walter Thompson and Leo Burnett (Vice Chairman). He is now part of the founding team of a start-up Bank, and also Chairman of a boutique communications agency, an advisor to an investment company, a Trustee of The Mental Health Foundation, a Trustee of Sadler’s Wells Theatre, former Chairman of the Russell Maliphant Dance Company and an advisor to the College of the New Humanities. Harry has been elected a Fellow of The Royal Society of the Arts.

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A diverse group of performers and audience members in a dark theater, with some audience members in wheelchairs, watching a musical or theatrical performance on stage. The stage is illuminated with a large circular light fixture overhead.