Last night, our Gala Dinner at Mosimann’s raised £56,043 (net of costs) for Create’s vital work of bringing the creative arts to those who need it most.
On Thursday 20 March 2025, we gathered at Mosimann’s for an unforgettable evening in support of Create’s mission. This year, our annual Gala Dinner shone a spotlight on the vital role of the creative arts in promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Guests were welcomed with a Champagne reception before enjoying a six-course dinner in the stunning surrounds of Mosimann’s. Throughout the evening, a silent auction and raffle provided the opportunity to contribute towards Create’s work – offering creative arts experiences that empower some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the UK.
This year’s Gala focused on how creativity can be a powerful tool for mental health, particularly for those facing complex challenges. With one in four people in England experiencing a mental health issue each year, access to self-expression, confidence building and connection has never been more important.
In her speech, Founding CEO Nicky Goulder MBE, spoke about the importance of creativity as a means of healing, self-expression and resilience:
“In a recent creativity survey that was commissioned for us, 93% of respondents said that creativity was important to their wellbeing. And, even though I run a creative arts charity, I was pretty amazed that it was that high. But 27% of people said that they don’t have the money to be able to fulfil that thing that is so important. And that’s really where Create comes in, because every project we deliver free of charge to the participants.”
“People on our programmes frequently tell us that being creative helps improve their mental health. One of our participants, Shabana, suffers from low mood and finds the creative sessions incredibly uplifting.”
“She told us: “Doing the artwork gives me moments where I feel like my mind is creating space. I always compare it to a glass jar, and mine’s really full, overflowing and cracked. I’ve got no more space to do anything. But when I come here and do art, it empties some of that jar.” “
“And in addition to improving emotional wellbeing, creativity builds skills, brings joy and reduces isolation; and it levels the playing field for people from many different walks of life.”
Shabana’s story is one of many showing just how important the creative arts are for people facing challenges in their lives, providing them with tools for self-expression, connection with others and giving them hope for the future.
We are immensely grateful to Anton Mosimann OBE, Mark Mosimann, and the team at Mosimann’s for their continued hospitality, and to everyone who contributed to the evening’s success – our table hosts, donors, and all those who participated in the auction and raffle. Your generous support ensures that we can keep transforming lives through creativity, giving vulnerable people the opportunity to express themselves, connect with others and improve their mental wellbeing. Until the next Gala, thank you for being part of this special night!
