About — Arts Trust

We are Arts Trust

We were established to offer unique cultural experiences in public spaces for marginalised communities and artists. Our festivals, events, and training programMEs aim to uplift and empower those who have been overlooked.

Arts Trust, founded in 2012, is an organisation that is dedicated to bringing the transformative power of culture to public spaces. Through our collaborations with local communities and businesses, we aim to create opportunities for artistic expression and engagement.

Our main focus is on supporting underprivileged communities, as we believe that everyone deserves access to the benefits of arts and culture. One of the key areas we work in is tackling loneliness and isolation. We recognise that loneliness can have a profound impact on one's mental and emotional well-being, and we strive to create a sense of belonging and connection through our art-based programmes.

By organising community events and workshops, we aim to bring people together and foster a supportive environment where individuals can form meaningful relationships and find a sense of community.

Meet the Team

Martin Collins

Founder & CEO
Martin Collins, 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 and is pursuing a PhD on the digitalisation of Intangible Cultural Heritage
David Salter

Production Manager
David Salter, 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.
Cathy Westbrook

Fundraising Consultant (Charity Fundraising Ltd)
Cathy has been working in the third sector for over 40 years. She has worked for a diverse range of organisations, from national bodies to small local charities, in roles including fundraising, project delivery and strategic planning.
Since 2014, she has specialised in fundraising from Trusts and Foundations, successfully achieving multi-year grants from funders totalling over £3 million, including National Lottery Community Fund, Barrow Cadbury Trust, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Porticus UK, The Baring Foundation, Arts Council England and Innovate UK.
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.
Professor Angela Pickard, PhD

Chair of the Board
Professor Angela Pickard, 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.
Hamble Wallace

Trustee
Hamble Wallace, 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.
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.