About Us
The Arts Active Trust is an independent charitable trust supporting people to enjoy the arts through its programme of creative, participatory activities based in Cardiff and the surrounding areas.
Our Vision
Through an inclusive and accessible programme of artistic activities and opportunities that benefit a diverse range of people and communities, we want our work to support a deeper learning, community empowerment, enhanced living, improved wellbeing, extended horizons and improved life outcomes.
Mission
To engage our local communities with initiatives and activities that invigorate the imagination and stimulate the soul. Encourage people of all ages, to engage in and enjoy arts activities whilst providing accessible, local, transformative arts-led learning experiences.
What We Do
We deliver a bold programme of creative activities for all our communities across Cardiff and the South Wales region, with particular emphasis on young people and vulnerable underrepresented groups. A key role beyond delivering activity is to support and signpost people to opportunities to engage in creative activities. We see the value in all levels of creative engagement as a driver for both participation and creative production of the arts in Wales, but also the future health and wellbeing of our community as audiences, active supporters, leaders of and stakeholders in this crucial aspect of Welsh identity and cultural life.
Who We Are
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Bryony Harris
Community, Learning and Partnerships Manager based at St David’s Hall and Director of the Arts Active programme and Secretary of the Arts Active TrustI oversee the creative and business development of Arts Active, along with delivering the vision and work of the Arts Active Trust. My background is history of art, art, and english. As a child I was a committed ballet dancer but dreams of becoming a swan were scuppered in my teens by ill health. This was when I discovered for myself how creativity can be the scaffolding for one’s overall well-being and sense of identity.
Rhian Workman
Deputy Community, Learning and Partnerships Manager based at St David’s Hall.I work alongside Bryony Harris to devise, programme and run the arts active projects. My background is in music as a performer, teacher and workshop leader and I am passionate about making the arts available and accessible for all.
Suzanne Smart
Community, Learning and Partnerships Assistant based at St David’s HallI am involved in organising and ensuring the smooth running of a range of projects including Soundworks, Open Orchestra, Young Composers and Tiddly Prom. I also provide general support to the whole team, helping out where required. Occasionally, I even get to throw my skills as a musician into the mix, which is great fun!
Patricia O’Sullivan
Freelance Marketing & Communications CoordinatorI’ve worked within the arts for over 30 years and with a number of arts organisations, venues and companies in Wales. Much of my work has & does include arts community, participation & engagement projects with particular focus on education, inclusion, diversity & well being. I currently manage the marketing and comms for all of the Arts Active and Arts Active Trust projects with support from the Arts Active team. I am currently a Trustee for Tin Shed Theatre Company, a theatrical company of freelance artists, makers and creative innovators specialising in arts activity and creative outreach provision in Wales. In my spare time, I try my hand at interior design.
Arts Active Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees bring a full range of skills to the organisation. The Trustees are committed individuals, all of whom have connections and interests within the creative sector.
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David Baxter
ChairDavid is a freelance arts project manager, producer and consultant. Until recently, David was the General Manager of the Borough Theatre, Abergavenny for Monmouthshire County Council and was previously the Head of Arts Active – the education, community and audience engagement unit at St David’s Hall and the New Theatre, Cardiff for many years.
Lowri Mair Jones (also known as Lowri Hale)
TrusteeLowri Mair Jones is an accomplished arts administrator with over a decade of experience in broadcasting at the BBC, specializing in high-profile music and arts events. Her work has included major productions such as BBC Young Musician, BBC Young Dancer, Cardiff Singer of the World, and Glastonbury, as well as a significant period in BBC Education.
An award-winning composer, Lowri was honoured with the Musician’s Medal at the 2023 National Eisteddfod of Wales and was a finalist for the same prize in 2024. Recently, she has completed several notable commissions, including compositions for the Rhondda Symphony Orchestra, Cor Godre’r Garth, a film score for S4C, and multiple new works scheduled for 2025.
Brian Weir
TrusteeDirector of Academic Administration and Student Experience at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Music graduate Brian Weir has over 20 years’ experience working in arts education. His areas of expertise include widening participation, equality and diversity, safeguarding, specialist learning support and charity governance. A member of the Senior Management Team at RWCMD, he is also a Trustee of the National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain and the Chair of Governors for this local primary school.
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