Pick of the Month - June 2026

Welcome to June Pick of the Month! We’re excited to feature individuals who are making a real impact in the charity world. From creative social innovators to tireless charity leaders, their work is all about driving change and improving lives. We’ll take a closer look at their unique paths, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the incredible contributions they’re making to communities across the UK. Come join us in celebrating their inspiring efforts! 

Trustee of the Month - Ann Gilmore, Art in Perpetuity Trust

Art in Perpetuity Trust (APT), is an artist-led organisation that encourages and supports creative thought and artistic vision.

We spoke to Ann Gilmore, one of APT's trustees.

Ann told us a little bit about what her mission is:  

"I am a trustee at Art in Perpetuity Trust in Deptford, London, also known as APT Gallery and Studios. A group of artists purchased an old warehouse in 1995, transforming it into 42 studio spaces, a contemporary gallery, and a sculpture yard. Its founding vision is that art should exist and be supported in perpetuity.

Education and artist development is at the core of this vision, through diverse exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, residencies and a mentoring programme, offering a free studio space for a year for two emerging artists or recent graduates.

APT is an artist-led organisation, with trustees, staff and artists working closely together to shape the organisation. I co-chair the trustee board with Jenny White and our collaborative approach has been very effective in sharing responsibilities and supporting one another."

We asked Ann how she got to where she is today and what her role involves:  

"It has been a long and circuitous road where I gained experience in many different industries. An undergraduate degree in History of Art led me into advertising in New York City and London, then raising a family, working in retail, catering and coaching, before finding my way to the Learning Department at the Royal Academy of Arts where I worked on an A-level mentoring programme which brought me in contact with emerging artists, Royal Academicians, teachers and art colleges. I am now focused on my trustee work, including on the Board of Management at my lawn bowls club."

Ann shared some advice for aspiring trustees: 

"Your skills and experience are valuable and will bring a fresh perspective to the board. Ask questions and dive in to learn about all aspects of the organisation. Your fellow trustees will be supportive and a font of knowledge."

Finally, Ann discussed what she's passionate about seeing change in the sector:  

"Artistic communities within our cities and communities play an important part in our cultural and creative ecosystem, yet, in London, affordable studio spaces are diminishing. APT is part of LAASN, London’s Affordable Artists Studio Network, which advocates for high-quality, genuinely affordable, long-term and inclusive studio space. LAASN is a growing network of exemplar studio providers who collectively support 1 in 3 artists in London, helping to ensure artists can continue to live, work and contribute to the city’s creative future."

Read more about the work at Art in Perpetuity Trust.

Charity Leader of the Month - Rose Kigwana, CEO of Creative Future

Creative Future specialises in supporting creative people, underrepresented artists, and communities that are facing barriers and inequalities. It is an organisation led by people who identify as underrepresented in arts and culture.

We spoke to Rose Kigwana, CEO of Creative Future.

Rose told us a little bit about what her mission is:

"I am the CEO of Creative Future, a small national arts charity based in Brighton. I fundamentally believe that creativity is for everyone and that the arts have the power to transform lives and communities. Our vision is a world where the arts are more inclusive, diverse, representative and accessible to everyone. We do this through a national literature award, creative workshops, supporting artists in residence, and delivering a creative health programme, all focused on supporting underrepresented artists and communities to thrive using creativity."

We asked Rose how she got to where she is today and what her role involves:  

"I've been with Creative Future for almost three years. Prior to that, I was a Senior Producer for South East Dance and played a fundamental role in the building and opening of The Dance Space, Brighton. I started my early career as a visual artist and designer, but my need to work with people led me into youth work, education, participation and producing within the arts. I spent eight years working for Arts Council England, which gave me a solid strategic overview of the sector and much-needed fundraising skills. I've continued to practise my art throughout my whole career, as it supports my mental health. As our team is tiny, my role involves a wide range of tasks, from admin and frontline work through to fundraising, partnership and strategy development."

Rose shared some advice for aspiring leaders: 

"This is my first role as a CEO and it's been delightful and challenging. Starting as a first-time CEO in a new organisation is no mean feat; it takes time and self-care. What's really helped me settle in, find my feet as a leader, and hold onto my values and vision has been regular coaching sessions. It's also important to keep in regular contact with your board and lean on them for support when needed. We've been lucky to build a committed, strong and active board that is very supportive."

Finally, Rose discussed what she's passionate about seeing change in the sector:  

"Having experienced first hand how creativity can change lives, I'm driven to make sure those opportunities exist for everyone. There absolutely needs to be more representation and diverse voices at all levels of the arts and cultural sector. I've spent too many years as a frustrated lone voice, as a disabled, neurodivergent, global majority person, and that needs to change for younger people in the sector who face barriers. It is why I sought the position at Creative Future, where I can meaningfully influence change. I'm pleased to be surrounded by a team and board with lived experience and to be doing important work to make the sector more inclusive and representative."

Read more about the work at Creative Future.

Social Entrepreneur of the Month - Rebecca Jackson, CEO of The Big Fandango CIC

The Big Fandango's aim is to reduce suicide across Bury by creating a safe space where people can come together to learn sewing and craft skills to combat loneliness and isolation and support mental wellbeing.

We spoke to Rebecca Jackson, CEO of the Big Fandango. 

Rebecca told us a little bit about her work and what her mission is:  

"I am the CEO of The Big Fandango; we are a grass roots suicide prevention CIC based in Bury and our mission is to work towards driving suicide figures down to zero within our community. We do that by offering training in suicide intervention skills, awareness raising via conferences and events, peer support for families bereaved by suicide and creating safe spaces where people can learn skills and not feel isolated."

We asked Rebecca how she got to where she is today and what her role involves:  

"I lost my daughter to suicide in 2014; she was 16 and had recently had an autism diagnosis. She struggled with her mental health and there was no support for her here in Bury. My world was blown apart after her death; there was no support for me as a bereaved parent and that’s why I set up The Big Fandango – I didn’t want anyone to live what we lived through as a family then and today. 

My role is varied; we run a sewing studio working with women from 12+ and, in particular, neuro-divergent women. I oversee the sewing classes and am very hands on with teaching and love watching our young people grow in confidence. I run a peer support group for adults and recently children who have been bereaved by suicide, that’s hard, I have been in that dark place and I want to carry hope for those families until they feel stronger. 

The most challenging part is raising awareness, getting people to talk about suicide and engage with the training. We are getting better at talking about mental health but still shy away from suicide. There is still a lot of stigma and poor understanding about the causes and how we can help. I want to change that because that’s how we save lives. 

Rebecca shared some advice for aspiring leaders: 

"I believe leadership is a privilege, your community or organisation has chosen you to be their voice and you should remain connected to those people and values and never see yourself as somehow superior – you’re just the one with the microphone, map and chequebook so use them wisely. An old boss once told me if things are going wrong don’t be afraid to say so, it’s OK to get lost so get off the bus, change the route, re-group and don’t be afraid to ask for help."

Finally, Rebecca discussed what she's passionate about seeing change in the sector: 

"We need to use the voices of lived experience better and with more respect. So much of what mental health services should be delivering has been pushed on the third sector to deliver free or for peanuts and we are still seen as an “add-on” or a box ticking exercise. We need to be invited into rooms where decisions are made as our knowledge and experience can make huge differences to people’s outcomes, none more so than in the field of suicide prevention. These are people’s lives, things you can’t understand by reading textbooks or fix with the odd well-being day. We need to build safety nets across all sectors of our communities, sharing stories, resources and skills and being truly inclusive."

Read more about the work at The Big Fandango. 

Fellow of the Month - Peter Craik, English Folk Dance & Song Society

English Folk Dance & Song Society champions the folk arts at the heart of England’s rich and diverse cultural landscape.

We spoke to Peter, Philanthropy Director at English Folk Dance & Song Society about his role and his experience so far as a fellow.  

Peter has worked and advocated for cultural organisations for 30 years, mainly in marketing roles and very often also with fundraising responsibilities. Since 2017 he has worked for the English Folk Dance and Song Society, the Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation which champions the folk arts at the heart of cultural life. On moving to the beautiful Calder Valley in 2024 he became part-time Philanthropy Director, with responsibilities for membership and individual giving; he was previously the charity’s Marketing and Communications Director, and before then he worked for 18 years at the Royal Academy of Music.

Given the context of the UK right now, we asked Peter what the key opportunities for his organisation are:  

"Diversifying our income sources is increasingly crucial. Positioning ourselves as THE sector support organisation for folk. Increasing our pool of engaged folk fans, building a sense of community amongst members and supporters: most folk practitioners and listeners are not connecting with us yet. Seeking higher-value donations: we're doing quite well on small donations from existing customers, but donations of £1K+ are rare. Legacies  – Making contact with a wider range of trusts and foundations."

We asked Peter what he was most looking forward to as part of the Fellowship Programme:  

"Getting an infusion of new ideas, and putting them into practice and learning from my peers as well as from the tutors."

Finally, Peter discussed what he's passionate about seeing change in the sector:  

"We somehow need to persuade more people in power not to be apologetic about their own enjoyment of arts and culture, and about extolling its many proven benefits to everyone. Too many people still don't question the narrative that our sector is exclusive."

Read more about the work at English Folk Dance & Song Society.