Create hosts exclusive virtual gala to celebrate its 17th anniversary

On Thursday 8 October 2020 we celebrated our 17th anniversary with a glittering Virtual Gala.

During the exclusive online event, guests were treated to conversations between our Founding CEO, Nicky Goulder, and two very special guests: internationally acclaimed percussionist and Create Patron Dame Evelyn Glennie, and our newly-appointed Youth Ambassador, young carer Abi.

Dame evelyn glennie talks about her life

Guests received a wine and cheese hamper to enjoy at their leisure as Dame Evelyn shared reminiscences about her career – including leading a drumming group of 1,000 volunteers at the London Olympics Opening Ceremony in 2012 – and her thoughts on the importance of creativity and listening. During the conversation, she showcased some of the weird and wonderful instruments that she has collected over the years and her extraordinary talent for improvisation.

Guests also heard from 15-year-old Abi, who spoke about her life as a young carer and the skills she has gained through our workshops, which she has attended since she was eight. She shared that we enabled her to fulfil her lifetime dream of attending the Lord Mayor’s Show by joining our walking float in 2018, and how being creative has shaped her as a person. She then wowed the audience with A Day in My Life, a film she made for us earlier in the year.

Abi’s film

The Virtual Gala has already raised an incredible £51,651, net of costs, with gifts still arriving. We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has generously donated. These funds will support creative:vision, our ambitious plan to double the reach of our work with disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults across the UK, empowering, upskilling and reducing the isolation of increasing numbers of participants at a time when our programme has never been more vital.