Graham helped found DreamArts, which grew from work he was involved with as a student at Pimlico School. A qualified Youth Arts Practitioner (WAC/Goldsmiths) and youth worker, Graham has spent two decades developing creative projects for young people. This include leading DreamArts’ Street 2 Stage New Musical Programme as a writer, director and facilitator for productions including Carnival – The Musical (Royal Opera House Linbury Theatre) and Can You Live Without it? (Cochrane Theatre). Graham trained in directing with Katie Mitchell, and his skills as a leadership trainer have been commissioned by University of the Arts, London, Arts Award, and Arts Council England.

Graham was a founder and Director of SouthWestFest which grew to become Westminster’s biggest arts and community Festival. His writing credits include the book and lyrics for the UK’s first promenade musical based on the classic Ealing Studio comedy Passport to Pimlico, which received 5-star reviews and is being further developed with Hackney Empire.

An artist, researcher and practitioner in participatory arts working predominately with young people, Catherine finished her Masters in Theatre and Performance with distinction from Queen Mary, University of London with a research focus on the social impact of theatre for marginalised communities. Catherine has worked on research projects with the National Theatre, AfroReggae in Brazil and Royal Holloway University investigating ways to capture the impact of arts projects in communities.

She has also taught on undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Queen Mary University. Most recently, Catherine has worked as a producer of Creative Learning projects with schools and young people around the UK with a focus on digital engagement and large-scale participation projects. Catherine leads projects at Young & Talented devising, writing and directing performances with young people at Soho Theatre, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Rich Mix and Theatre Peckham.

Fariha joined DreamArts as the Express Plus Programme Manager. She began working in the charity sector in 2018, for YoungMinds, the leading UK charity for children and young people’s mental health. Whilst there, Fariha successfully ran a nationwide transitions based project, supporting children, staff, and parents/carers with the change from primary to secondary school. Over the course of the project, she has facilitated numerous workshops on mental health awareness in schools across the UK.

Prior to working in this sector, Fariha has a background in healthcare, with 3 years’ experience of providing therapeutic support in inpatient settings, for both AMHS and CAMHS services, and has an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London.

Swati is a UKCP qualified Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapeutic Counsellor. Her approach is relational and culturally sensitive, creating a nurturing and safe space that is responsive to the unique needs of each young person. Her core belief is to foster inclusivity and accessibility for young people, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Swati has experience working in diverse settings  with young people of all age ranges, in both educational and community environment. She has been part of a well-being team in a secondary school and has also worked as a well-being practitioner for the Experiment Project with DreamArts. In another project with Family Express, she provided one-on-one art therapy to refugee children.

Swati completed her training at Cambridge University. She has also completed foundation training in adult counselling. Prior to her counselling career, Swati worked in the corporate sector, managing and leading various projects.

Angela Poulima is a Theatre specialist with a decade of successful experience in production management and facilitating. She specialises in Theatre direction and she has participated in festivals with her own productions. Her vision is to create an inclusive environment in the theatre industry, that’s why she is a strong believer of collective work. Angela has produced community projects and has worked for youth companies including producing the the biggest youth company in Athens, she particularly enjoys moments when her work can create a positive change in the community.

“I resonate with what Augusto Boal said that rehearsal is a revolutionary act, not theatre itself, I would like to think that theatre has given us the ability to become Actors (someone who acts) instead of observers in life”

Kiz Ayton-Green is a creative from London joining DreamArts as the Creative Curator. With a background in arts and youth wor,; her core values are based in inclusive creative learning and development. Using art and self-expression as an essential therapeutic outlet, which she aims to include in all her roles when supporting young people.

Throughout the years, Kiz has gained experience delivering 1:1 art interventions for primary school students with special educational needs, overseen creative programmes within the specialist provisions team for Tender education and arts and volunteered with numerous art charities.

Since graduating with a BA in Fine art & psychology, Kiz will also be undertaking an art psychotherapy masters – working towards improving her trauma informed practice to support others.

Westminster City Council and Young Westminster Foundation have joined forces with DreamArts to help join up services for young people who provide emotional or practical support for a loved one. The Young Carers Navigator is a new advocay role who will map pathways of support, build awareness and training among professionals so they can identify and meet the needs of young carers, lead the DreamArts Carers Express project where a community of young carers creatively express themselves, and build innovative partnership models that will make a difference to the lives of young carers.

Duncan recently moved from Glasgow, Scotland where he led the work of the UK-wide charity Home for Good, a foster adoption and supported lodgings charity, in Scotland. He was also responsible for the beginnings of a project alongside the The Why Not? Trust, building an online hub for Care Experienced young people aged 16-25. The Why Not? Hub aims to provide Care Experienced young adults with support and other life skills through online media content and community. 

Duncan’s background is in acting. He trained in Musical Theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has worked as an actor alongside his charity work for the past 5 years.  

Credits include: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Palace Theatre Workshops: Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Chasing Rainbows: The Road to Oz, TV: Volkswagen Netherlands. 

Shagufta has joined Dream Arts as Carer Express Project Lead, to offer support to young people who provide emotional or practical support for a loved one.

The Dream Arts Carers Express project provides a community to young carers to creatively express themselves, and build innovative partnership models that will make a difference to the lives of young carers.

Longlisted for the Jerwood Poetry Fellowship Shagufta K Iqbal is an award-winning writer, workshop facilitator and Tedx Speaker.  She has 20 years’ experience in leading creative writing workshops for young people. One of Asiana Magazine’s favourite British Asian poets, she has been described by gal-dem as a poet whose work ‘leaves you validated but aching – her narratives are important, heart-wrenching and relatable.’ Her poetry collection ‘Jam Is For Girls, Girls Get Jam’ has been recommended by Nikesh Shukla as ‘a social political masterclass.’ Her poetry film ‘Borders’ has won several awards, and has been screened across international film festivals, including London Short Film Festival. She is currently writing her second poetry collection and debut novel.

She holds a BA in Creative Writing and English, and a Masters in Gender Studies and English Literature.

Keep an eye out on her children’s poems, in the collection SPIN,  edited by Joseph Coelho (Children’s Laureate).

Natasha is an actor, writer, director and producer who founded Grey Beanie Productions – a production company that has collaborated with DreamArts in the past. Together, they developed a week-long film-making workshop that allowed participants to create their own interactive films. Natasha has been working with young people aged 3 to 25 for almost a decade. Her experience spans across acting, dance, singing, and film.

Driven by her passion for making film education accessible, Natasha is dedicated to providing free film education opportunities. She is thrilled to be working with DreamArts and sharing her love of film, editing, and producing.  

Anne-Marie is a qualified (BACP) Child Counsellor with a social care, youth work and management background. For almost two decades she was Programme Director at DreamArts. Her roles/experiences include: Residential Social work, Creative and Therapeutic Youth Arts Practice, Resettlement work, Strengthen Families Strengthening Communities Facilitation. She provides psychological and emotional support to children, young people and families using various arts forms, on a 1:1, parent-child and group work basis. She specialises in developing work that empowers young people at risk. Anne-Marie’s work has won an Intranet Award for making the internet a safer place and has been cited as best practice by the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport.

As a Dancer/Dance Teacher specialising African, Caribbean and Contemporary forms, her national and international theatre credits include: Paradigmz’s LDDT – London Diaspora Dance, Sheba Monserrat Productions, Muraldo DC, Stormforce, Patti Boulaye, Brekete and Frititi. TV credits: The Generation Game, Sir Paul McCartney music video.

Anthea brings her extensive skills and expertise to help us shape our projects so that they fuse arts with therapeutic approaches, as well as providing reflective spaces for our team to support their development and reflect on their work including understanding how your own background and experiences informs their practice.

Anthea has worked extensively with children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and groups for over 18 years in various settings including schools, community projects and within the NHS. As a a UKCP registered Integrative Arts Psychotherapist, Play Therapist, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy Practitioner, Group Analyst and Supervisor, she works as a therapist delivering training and consultancy in a range of professional and educational context and has a special interest in racial trauma, particularly working with racial trauma in the body.

Yusuf is the Director for the Experiment Sunday Creative Lab. Yusuf is a Director, Facilitator and Producer with eight years of experience working professionally and with young people. Previously, Yusuf underwent a 14-month attachment as associate director of Exeter Northcott Theatre. He also worked as a Communities Learning and Engagement Officer at Oldham Coliseum Theatre. He is currently working part time as a Performing Arts Lecturer at Nescot College, while continuing to develop his freelance directing, facilitating and producing career. He is passionate about using play, to engage young people into performing arts, and merging wellbeing with performance.

Emily is the Director for Experiment Saturday Creative Lab.

Emily has a degree in Education with Drama and English and has worked as a director, writer, and dramaturg since 2015. Her shows have been produced at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Arcola Theatre and Waterloo East Theatre. She enjoys bringing together her educational experience with her passion for theatre while working with young people to create exciting new work, build their confidence, develop their creative skills and help them find new ways to express themselves. She currently works with Tender Arts and Education and BigFoot and is incredibly excited to start working on DreamArts’ Experiment programme.

David is a former DreamArts participant, youth arts leader and Trustee.

An actor, writer, and acting teacher, David trained at Drama Centre London and is the founder of Open Door, which helps talented young people who do not have the financial support or resources to gain a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools and was awarded The Stage School of the Year Award 2019.

His acting credits include work with The Royal Court, The Donmar, Hampstead Theatre, The Bush and Cheek by Jowl. Television Credits include; Fearless (ITV), Fresh Meat (Ch4), PhoneShop, Drifters (E4) and Cuckoo (BBC3). Film Credits include; The Inbetweeners Movie, The Huntsman: Winters War, Lost In London and Mission Impossible 6.

Gregorio is a passionate musician who has different approaches to music making such as performer, composer, community musician, and teacher. He got a MA degree in Music (Development Pathway) by SOAS University. Also he has a long experience touring and recording drum kit and percussion in Latin America, the UK, USA and Europe. He was awarded a Latin Grammy in 2018 among others.

Having a background as a dancer and choreographer in the Indian film industry, Sana has moved  into a deeper exploration of movement that comes from within through the study of Dance/Movement Therapy. Sana works with children, young people and the elderly within community settings helping them find what moves them from within.

Annabell Duft is a community dance artist from Germany. She completed her BA in Movement Pedagogy and Dance in Social Work in her home country with distinction, is a social worker and certified nursery teacher. They recently obtained an MFA in Dance Leadership and Community Practice from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.

Annabell is passionate about moving creatively together with everyone and everybody. In their practice, they build inclusive, creative and non-hierarchical spaces that share the joy and power of dance based on the belief that movement is a catalyser for empowerment, community and change.

Ellen is a freelance community theatre and opera director, choir leader and inclusive play worker based between London and East Sussex, with an MA in Applied Anthropology and Community Arts from Goldsmiths University. She runs three regular choirs (Tide Mills Choir, Avalon Choir and the Sing for Freedom Choir) as well as directing community theatre and opera for Loud Crowd, Barefoot Opera, LRMN and The Company. Her projects are participant focused, working predominantly with refugee and migrant communities, children and disabled young adults.

Mary is a facilitator, theatre practitioner, and singer hailing from Ireland. She holds an MA with Distinction in Applied Theatre Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Mary studied for her primary degree in Ireland, earning a first-class honours BA in Drama and Theatre Studies with Music International from University College Cork and University of Sussex. Mary is passionate about fostering creativity, weaving compelling narratives, and encouraging collaborative teamwork. With ample experience across various age groups, she places a strong emphasis on the importance of fostering wellbeing and nurturing care within the arts and communities.

Once a participant on the Experiment programme herself, Bathseba has come back as a Wellbeing practitioner for both experiment dates. Her experience in facilitation, performance & directing includes senior leadership roles with Camp America and placements with Les Enfants Terribles.

Paul Cree is a poet, storyteller, rapper and theatre maker. Originally from Horley, Surrey and based in South London, he’s been writing and performing regularly around the UK for over 11 years, at venues and events such as; Ronnie Scott’s, Tate Britain, Battersea Arts Centre, Roundhouse, Camden People’s Theatre, Lattitude, Bestival and the Edinburgh Fringe. His work has showcased on BBC 1xtra and BBC London and his hip-hop theatre shows include Beats&Elements, High Rise Estate of Mind which opened at Battersea Arts Centre.

Paul’s work with DreamArts includes as regular facilitator with Friends From Afar and working with Family Express, Carers Express and City Lions.

Asif is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 18 years of experience.  Having qualified with Andersen and Deloitte and worked with charity clients, he went on to work within their real estate and hospitality department in both Audit and Private Equity Transaction Support. Since 2005, Asif set up his own accountancy practice.  The practice is an all round accountancy firm and in addition to undertaking audits, Asif specializes in owner managed businesses,  advising on corporate finance and real estate transactions thus bringing a wealth of business experience.

Asif is committed to DreamArts as he has a passion for helping the youth succeed in an evermore challenging environment.  “Having been the independent accountant for the charity for a number of years, I am now delighted to be a trustee and someone who can help shape the future of this amazing organization”.

David is a former DreamArts participant, youth arts leader and facilitator and is now a Trustee.

An actor, writer, and acting teacher, David trained at Drama Centre London and is the founder of Open Door, which helps talented young people who do not have the financial support or resources to gain a place at one of the UK’s leading drama schools and was awarded The Stage School of the Year Award 2019.

His acting credits include work with The Royal Court, The Donmar, Hampstead Theatre, The Bush and Cheek by Jowl. Television Credits include; Fearless (ITV), Fresh Meat (Ch4), PhoneShop, Drifters (E4) and Cuckoo (BBC3). Film Credits include; The Inbetweeners Movie, The Huntsman: Winters War, Lost In London and Mission Impossible 6.

Janine is an experienced creative producer, educator and facilitator. Currently acting Course Leader at Central St Martins for BA Culture, Criticism and Curation, she is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the arts, culture and museum sector.

Janine knows DreamArts well, working with the charity in 2017/18 to launch Carers Express supporting young people providing emotional and/or practical support for a loved one.

Janine lectures at University of the Arts, London, and the Royal College of Art, and is completing her PhD with the thesis title, ‘In what ways can art museums be safer spaces to discuss race and cultural differences within a teaching and learning context?’

Nigel joined DreamArts as Chair of Trustees in October 2021, bringing extensive experience from the business and charitable sectors. Since stepping aside from a a 30 year career in the City in 2018, Nigel has applied his skills and experience in a range of other areas, including as executive coach, Non-executive Director, Trustee and Chair. He is passionate about mental health and the arts, and sees DreamArts’ fusion of the two as a good way of applying those passions.

“My aim as Chair is to ensure DreamArts sustains its great work in supporting young people in our community, working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the delivery team, and listening to the voices of those young people.”

Racha is an experienced mental health professional and clinical supervisor with over 25 years of experience working with children and their families, including as a Teacher and Consultant Psychologist with children with Special Educational Needs, before training at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education.

She is Currently working as an Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, Supervisor and as School Counsellor, running a drop-in service as well as workshops for teachers and parents. She is also a trustee at the Education and Football Foundation which encourages children to find a balance between football and education and promotes social integration.

In her work with youngsters, Racha draws on several theories bringing together different therapy approaches and the Arts. Being a fervent believer in the power of Art and Creativity, Racha is excited to be part of the DreamArts team.

Catherine Drake Wilkes has been working with families in Westminster for almost 20 years, originally in the voluntary sector as part of a children’s centre team, and since 2013 for children’s services at Westminster City Council. A qualified systemic practitioner, she is now the manager of Bessborough Family Hub, one of the earliest in the UK to be set up. Catherine is also the chair of trustees of local community arts charity SouthWestFest, and a volunteer at regular sustainable living event.

“I see first hand on a weekly basis how much difference both creative arts and therapeutic interventions make in the lives of children and young people, which is why I’m delighted to become part of the DreamArts team of trustees”