“My first meeting with Nicky was complete serendipity. I was selling Kenyan jewellery at a Christmas fair at a Surrey school and Nicky was visiting a friend whose child went there. When Nicky learnt that I was a professional dancer, she invited me to work with Create (following a rigorous assessment process!). In the years that followed I led dance workshops and was a Trustee for Create. In that time I was hugely inspired by Nicky’s dedication, focus, compassion and vision for providing arts to the most vulnerable members of our society. Nicky is probably one of the most inspirational women I have ever met – and I am blessed to have worked with her through Create.” Shalini

Nicky Goulder founded Create in 2003, motivated by her longing for a fair, caring, inclusive society in which every individual can fulfil their potential. Create has since become the UK’s leading charity using the creative arts to empower the lives of society’s most disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Each programme is individually-designed and led by professional artists, enabling participants to develop creativity, learning, social skills and self-esteem.

For Nicky, founding, developing and running a charity that has now worked with almost 40,000 participants has been incredibly joyful and yet a huge challenge. She is continually inspired by the people she works with and the transformation she sees in participants taking part in Create’s projects.

“In 2002, I had a vision for a charity that would use the creative arts to empower the lives of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults across the UK. Create is 16 this year (2019) and has achieved so much, thanks to the dedication of all who are involved; and the motivation of the incredible participants with whom we work.”

Nicky hopes that through Create she will leave the legacy of a charity that will empower the most vulnerable members of our society long into the future.

Three questions for Nicky:

In the last two years, what new belief or behaviour/lifestyle change has most improved your life?
Achieving a better work/life balance… or at least trying to! I met a theatre PR professional on a plane two years ago who told me about a fantastic secret arts club. I now attend arts performances weekly that invigorate, relax, challenge, uplift and – of course – help to inspire my thinking about new projects for Create. I often leave buzzing with new ideas!

What are you grateful for in your life?
So many things! I live in London, a diverse, stimulating city that I tease a friend in New York is the “best city in the world” (which of course it is!). I run a charity about which I am passionate. I work alongside a wide range of dedicated, creative people who motivate and inspire me. I learn something new every day. And I have the opportunity to experience wonderful art, new places and incredible people.

What book has inspired you the most in your life, and why?
Choosing a single book is an almost impossible task! Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre has always inspired me… Jane’s individuality, resilience, empathy and assertiveness are all qualities that I admire; and it has to be one of the greatest love stories ever written!

“The woman who has perhaps had the biggest influence on my life is my Mum. She has the best sense of humour, is an empathetic and caring listener who has time for everyone, and knows the true meaning of hospitality – a warm welcome and ‘take us as you find us’ approach to life. She is creative and fun. And she taught me from an early age that you learn more from the things that don’t go well than those that do. Embedded in Create’s ethos is the idea that mistakes provide a learning opportunity.”

Nicky’s message to other women is:
“Never wish a single day away.”

Social Media Details
Facebook: facebook.com/createarts.org.uk/
Twitter: @nickygoulder @Createcharity
Instagram: @nickygoulder @Createcharity
LinkedIn: Nicky Goulder

Website: createarts.org.uk