Aidan Hansell, MA (Oxon)
honorary charity trustee
"It’s a question of expecting the remarkable, and the wonderful thing about Eastside
is that so often, the remarkable does happen."
Hello - I'm Aidan Hansell; I have been involved with Eastside from the very beginning and have been a trustee for a number of years. In my capacity as a television and multimedia producer, I am keen to ensure that Eastside uses the opportunities for collaboration and interaction offered by new media in all its forms, while maintaining the essential vision of the artist in us all, which I think is the DNA of Eastside. I have always admired the belief which runs through every project that Eastside has undertaken: that every child, every individual is capable of creativity and of discovering new talents within themselves. It’s a question of expecting the remarkable, and the wonderful thing about Eastside is that so often, the remarkable does happen. I have seen shy, disinterested, unforthcoming children becoming expressive, confident artists, poets, film makers, sculptors, dancers, singers – sometimes in the course of a single afternoon. It’s so exciting for us to see; how much more exciting must it be for them? For the young people taking part, it is clearly a life-changing experience.
Eastside is a product of the commitment and vision of its directors, both of whom I have known for many years. Chris Enticott and Rakhee Jasani are both inspirational leaders and pioneers in the arts education arena. They are supported by a large and ever growing network of artists, teachers, volunteers and financial backers. They are experts in their field and are increasingly being asked to teach other organisations ‘the Eastside way’. I see it as part of my role as a charity trustee to help ensure that Eastside not only survives and thrives, but keeps passing on that infectious enthusiasm for creativity as widely as possible.
