“Born in Beijing but growing up in the Lake District, I felt both a sense of uprootedness and developed a great appreciation for the benefits of living between contrasting environments and perspectives. Nature and the arts helped me to connect with my surroundings, my community, and to understand myself better. Arts education has been my passion ever since.

I believe that celebrating commonality and diversity together allows us to come to terms with our societies and ourselves. The work of Arts Bridge Charity meets a rising need for reconnection and wellbeing that has emerged from the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic. More than ever, arts projects can strengthen young people’s engagement with the world, encourage their sense of belonging, and nurture a positive, creative mindset that will help them to overcome any barriers they might face.”

Yuchen holds a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Oxford, and a PGDip in Comparative Literature from King’s College London. She has worked on UK wide diversity and inclusion campaigns with startup InChorus Group, and international healthcare campaigns with Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness. 

Yuchen currently teaches English at the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.

“I started out studying Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering - the kind of sensible, proper career that looked good on paper but never quite felt like home. Then I found theatre, and as I like to joke, ended up running away with the circus.

I know what creative spaces can do for a young person. I also know how fragile access to those spaces can be when money, confidence, geography or circumstances get in the way. I was able to continue mine with the help of scholarships, and I’ve never forgotten what that made possible.”

Anna is Global Head of Marketing and Communications, at a global water consultancy, where she works across strategic communications, reputation, governance, stakeholder engagement and organisational positioning.

Her experience includes developing communications strategies, advising senior leaders on reputational matters, building governance processes, and translating complex issues into clear, credible narratives. Anna has also taught, film, lighting and sound in universities in Portugal.

She founded Porto Photography Festival, securing sponsorship and creating an international platform focused on photography, and creating an international platform focused on photography, access and community.

She brings to Arts Bridge Charity a combination of strategic communications experience, cultural sector understanding, and a strong commitment to access, inclusion and public value.

“I care deeply about social justice, wellbeing, and inclusivity, and I’m driven by a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities. I’ve worked across education, health, and social care.

I hold a BA in English Literature and Language and an MSc in Psychology of Education. Both areas reflect my enduring interest in how people make meaning of their lives—particularly through family relationships, cultural identity, and health. These experiences form rich and varied narratives that can be powerfully explored through the arts, which I believe should feel accessible to everyone.

Travel is something I actively pursue and deeply value—for the perspective, connection, and renewal it brings. My appreciation of nature, restorative solitude, and creative exploration has only deepened in recent years, and I’m committed to prioritising these sources of nourishment. Connection has always been central to my life, and I’m more aware than ever of how vital positive relationships and new collaborations are to growth and wellbeing.

I’m currently training in systemic psychotherapy, further expanding my understanding of relational dynamics and therapeutic practice.

What I love about Arts Bridge Charity is its belief in the power of creativity to foster connection, amplify unheard voices, and build inclusive communities.”

Tarnia currently works for The Health Foundation, an independent charity focused on improved healthcare for all.

“Art has the power to change the trajectory of a life. I know this because it changed mine. When I started ballet at eight years old, I couldn’t have imagined how much that one decision would shape who I am today. It taught me discipline and instilled the undeniable sense that there was room in the world for me to make something.

I believe the arts should be an important part of every young person’s development instead of an extracurricular privilege. Creating space for imagination, expression and human connection feels more important than ever at a time when technology is rapidly changing the skills we value and the way we live and work. That’s why I’m proud to be part of an organisation like Arts Bridge Charity that helps young people discover what creativity can unlock in them.”

Javier is a marketing and communications professional with a decade of experience helping organisations turn complex ideas into clear and compelling stories.

He currently leads multichannel marketing at Prosper, a digital wealth platform, where his work spans brand, content, campaigns, partnerships and growth. He has helped build the company’s marketing capabilities and led campaigns across the customer journey, working closely with investment, compliance and customer teams in a highly regulated environment.

Earlier in his career, Javier worked in strategic communications at Charlotte Street Partners, advising organisations across the charity, finance, public policy and sustainability sectors, and at global advertising agency Ogilvy.

Javier holds an MSc in International Relations from the University of Edinburgh and has a longstanding interest in how culture, communication and ideas shape the way people see the world. He is also a classically trained ballet dancer, having trained in Spain as well as at the Académie Princesse Grace in Monaco and the School of American Ballet in New York.