11 December 2023

Edward Benyon appointed as art charity's new chair

An East London charity that helps to inspire and empower young people through participation in the arts is now chaired by Edward Benyon.

Edward, Estate Manager of the Benyon Estate, is now Chair of Eastside Educational Trust, a Shoreditch-based charity that works with children inside and outside school by running participatory workshops and programmes that build confidence and boost creativity.

On his appointment, Edward said: “I am hugely impressed with the work of Eastside and the opportunities it gives to young people to expand their horizons and grow in confidence through the arts. I am delighted to take up the position as Chair and look forward to working with the charity on its many inspiring projects.”

Next year, (2024) marks Eastside’s 30th anniversary and Edward will provide guidance and support to Matt Lane, the charity’s CEO and Artistic Director, as well as leadership and experience to the Board of Trustees.

Eastside is in a strong position going into its 30th anniversary year, and is set on growth and expansion, to maximise the opportunities created by recent successes. These include outstanding results on national projects, including Creativity Live which involves streaming live creativity workshops into schools and classrooms across the UK.

Another project, Spoken Word Power, has engaged and captured the voices of thousands of young people from underserved neighbourhoods across the country.

Eastside also staged a sell-out West End Gala night of comedy and jazz called April Foolery with plans to make it an annual event. The charity is also looking forward to a National Lottery Heritage Fund supported 30th anniversary project, due to culminate in 2024.

For more information about Eastside, visit: www.eastside.org.uk.