From Chairman of The Fenton Arts Trust

the fenton arts trust news

A Word From The Chairman - July 2005

In 2000, following the death of Shu Yao Fenton, The Fenton Arts Trust entered a new phase. The number of Trustees increased an Administrator appointed and our aims redefined. Most importantly, our capital rose to over Ł2 million, thanks to the exceptional generosity of our Founder. We are happy that our links with the family of Shu Yao are maintained through the appointment of her brother, David Tong, as consultant to the Trustees. Now five years on, is a good moment for taking stock.

As Chairman I would like to pay tribute to the excellent work of our five Trustees and our Administrator. All lead busy lives, yet all find time to attend three or four Trust meetings a year, but also to observe our various beneficiaries in action on the stage, in the concert hall, at a final year art exhibition. Of necessity, personal contact is limited. It is unrealistic to expect a drama student who has been on stage for three hours to stop behind for a chat after the final curtain. None the less we welcome and are touched by letters of gratitude :

Both actors and director got the opportunity to perform and showcase their work at a world acclaimed festival (Edinburgh Fringe), the experience of which was priceless. We would like to extend our thanks once again as thus project would not have been possible without the grant we received from you.
(Central St Martin's students )

I am writing to express my sincerest thanks to you and to The Fenton Arts Trust for your generous contributions towards my final year of acting training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The assistance you have given me means so much, as without it I would certainly not be in a realistic financial position to continue my training here.
( Guildhall School student)

To have my fees paid for me before the start of the year is just a miracle and the amount of pressure it has alleviated from me is enormous.
(City and Guilds of London student )

... has already phoned me to give me the good news (of the Trust's grant), so I was able to go off on my holidays with a spring in my step
( Dance Umbrella director)

Although our field of operations now extends from Falmouth to Edinburgh, most of our activity is concentrated in the south of England. The reason for this is simple: we aim to keep our costs to a minimum, and travel to Edinburgh is expensive.

We consider active interest in the causes we support essential. It is not enough to approve an application and sign the cheque. In fact "being there" is the most rewarding part of the work. A production by 3rd year students at RADA is usually challenging, occasionally shocking, never dull. For it is refreshing to see new talent emerging, and satisfying to feel that we have contributed something towards this.

In 2005 a milestone in the progress of the Trust was reached when we commissioned our first work. This was a piece for soprano, piano and percussion by the gifted young composer Jeremy Thurlow, which received its first performance in Kettle's Yard in Cambridge. Four of us were present to applaud the composer and receive the heartfelt thanks of the organiser.

Without wishing in any way to detract from the invaluable work of the Trustees, I would like finally to say a special word of thanks to our Administrator, Shelley Baxter, whose energy and enthusiasm have contributed so much to the success of the Trust. Together we face the future with confidence and high hopes. In the past five years The Fenton Arts Trust has become deeply involved in the vibrant arts scene in the UK, and its name has achived growing recognition.

Succurrere Artibus. We are doing just that !

On behalf of all of us thank you for your interest and support.

Richard Ward
1st July 2005

For further information about policy, applications etc.,
please return to to the home page of The Fenton Arts Trust