Meet the board of trustees

Introducing our board members.

Holly Howe (chair) is a freelance art journalist, writing for various publications including State/F22 magazine, The Art Newspaper, Highsnobiety, Complex, i-D, and Londnr. She leads guided art walks in London as well as giving talks and chairing panel discussions at places including Soho House, The Hospital Club, and the House of St Barnabas. She also works in corporate communications for an assortment of clients. Contact Holly at http://www.instagram.com/hollytorious

Martin Russell (Deputy Chair) is a visual artist and arts educator, and is currently the Cultural Education Partnership Development Co-Ordinator for the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham. He has widely exhibited his sculpture alongside teaching art and design. He was previously Head of Learning and Participation at the Mercury Theatre, Essex and has been a Programme Manager for the Royal Opera House Bridge organisation working to connect young people with the arts.

Olivia Porritt is a youth learning and participation specialist with years of experience in the arts, heritage, science engagement and formal learning.  As the Youth Programme Co-ordinator at Kew Gardens she is passionate about engaging young people in environmental issues and creating a platform for youth lead public engagement. Olivia brings these years of experience in youth engagement across sectors to our team as we expand our programmes of work.

Maddy Ryle is a writer, editor and social activist with a background in history, literature, arts reviewing, youth work, media, campaigning and communications. She is currently the Communications Director for the Bolivia-based Democracy Center, supporting global ecological justice work, though she lives mainly in Brighton with her young son.

Phoebe Hill joined the board as a young trustee having achieved both Bronze and Gold Arts Award and been a member of the Arts Award Youth Network. Since graduating from Cambridge University in 2015, Phoebe has worked across the arts sector in London and is now the Operations and Events Manager at NW7Hub.

Tom Edwards is a filmmaker and photographer. He is currently working as a Digital Marketing and Campaigns Officer at North West Bridge organisation Curious Minds who help connect young people to arts and culture. He has a Gold Arts Award, a degree in Film Production and has completed his Digital Marketing apprenticeship. He is currently working as part of the Wigan Local Cultural Education Partnership.

Beth Troakes is a freelance curator and gallery director based in Brighton. She has curated exhibitions nationally and internationally and has worked with partners in Italy, South Korea and China. She has worked in development as both a freelancer and in arts organisations for many years and has also worked with many award-winning international theatre companies and performers as a producer and strives to support artists and musicians who are unsigned and unrepresented.