Meet the Trustees
Jasleen Kaur, Co-Chair
Originally from Preston and currently studying Business Management at Liverpool University, Jasleen has a background in Libraries and Museums. She has worked with the Harris in Preston to deliver events for children and young people: ranging from music concerts to comic cons. Her aim is to break the stigma behind libraries and encourage more young people to use their space. Jasleen currently works with Hewlett Packard Enterprise on their campaigns and communications which enables her to continually develop skills in producing events and global marketing strategies.
Derri Burdon, Co-Chair
A qualified teacher and CEO of Curious Minds, Derri previously worked for Bolton Council’s Educational Improvement Service where she was responsible for leading a number of high profile school improvement initiatives including: Find Your Talent, Inspiring Communities, Bolton UFA and Sunflower Clubs. Derri is a ‘sandgrown-un’ Lancashire Lass with Irish roots. School wasn’t her favourite place as a child but despite this (or likely because of it) she is passionate about improving learning outcomes for all children, especially the most disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Azraa Motala
Azraa Motala is a North-West based artist and recent graduate from the MA Fine Art program at the Chelsea College of Arts where she was awarded the Hoyland scholarship. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a first class BA honours degree in Fine Art. Azraa was recently a finalist for the UK Young Artist of the Year Award in partnership with Saatchi Gallery and has exhibited work nationally in solo and group exhibitions.
Sara Domville
Since graduating with a BA in Performing Arts, Sara has developed a career as a socially engaged artist, creative producer and programme director that spans 25 years. She has worked across artistic mediums that include theatre, dance, music, film, photography, installation and interactive digital technologies with a diverse range of organisations, communities and people. She is passionate about developing the next generation of creative producers and as a director of Blaze from 2009 to 2013 is delighted to be a Blaze trustee.
Joe Clegg
Joe Clegg is a Manchester based actor, writer, producer, podcaster and marketer with over six years experience working in the arts, having trained with the Royal Exchange, Contact, the National Youth Theatre and Reform Radio to name a few. Joe is also a writer and producer for new writing theatre company Hung Theatre, and Marketing & Communications Officer at music organisation Brighter Sound.
Lydia Hesketh
As the Head of Communications for Bloomsbury Institute, a higher education institute dedicated to widening participation in London, Lydia firmly believes everyone should have the right and access to higher education. She is passionate about allowing people young and old the opportunity to define what success means to them. Lydia has been the Co-Chair of Blaze since 2020 – joining just before the Covid-19 pandemic! She specialises in communications, brand, marketing and digital marketing and has worked across a range of sectors.
Guy Christiansen
Over the last 20 years Guy has honed his skills and passion for managing and facilitating arts participation initiatives through his roles as Participation Manager, Creative Learning Director, Associate Director for Participation and most recently Chief Executive. Guy fundamentally believes that participatory practice in high quality arts has the power to positively change peoples’ lives. In 2015 Guy co-founded Lancashire Youth Challenge, a grass roots creative arts, education and sports charity which engages vulnerable young people to achieve significant personal success.
Russell Tennant
Russell has over 20 years working in arts and culture for local authorities, education and the independent arts sector. He is passionate about giving arts opportunities to a wide range of people and helping unleash the creative potential of young people. He has been involved in Blaze from the very beginning. He currently works as an Investment Manager for the National Lottery Heritage Fund.