About Us

CREATIVE HEARTS UNITED has a deep-rooted legacy of backing arts and cultural initiatives aimed at benefiting the Filipino community residing in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Established by the devoted Filipino-British couple, Ronald and Emma Chu, their voluntary endeavour sprung from their unwavering dedication to nurturing creativity and cultural enhancement within their community. They identified the necessity for a platform that could bring together and empower this community by fostering artistic expression and facilitating cultural exchange.
 
The couple had a profound passion for the performing and visual arts, and their journey into community projects in Leeds began in 2013. Their initial venture into the realm of community involvement was sparked by the vibrant Filipino community thriving in the city.
 
During their early years, the couple hosted small-scale workshops and rehearsals in their own home. These workshops encompassed a wide range of activities, including traditional Filipino dance, contemporary dance performances, as well as the creation of dance costumes and props, all designed to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Philippine arts.

With enthusiastic participants from their community, they frequently received invitations to showcase their talents at Filipino gatherings, religious functions, local competitions, and notably, at cultural festivals like the Barrio Fiestas (Town Festivals).
 
Before long, they became deeply engaged with the non-profit entity known as the Filipino Leeds Association (FLA). Within the charity organisation, they chaired sub-committees, typically overseeing programmes, shows and performances. This included comprehensive involvement in digital marketing, from website maintenance to managing various social media outlets.

Then, in 2022, both Ronald and Emma assumed positions as trustees within a Filipino charity organisation. They presided over the committee responsible for cultural festivals for two consecutive years, spearheading the Leeds Barrio Fiesta in 2022 and 2023.
 
As their projects flourished, Ronald and Emma’s vision expanded, and together with Vivian Bartolome and Cherry Mullins, they realised that the community needed a formal structure to sustain and grow their efforts. On 13 November 2023, Creative Hearts United was officially established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

This marked a significant milestone in their journey, allowing them to access resources and support to further empower and unite the creative Filipino hearts in West Yorkshire and the surrounding areas through artistic expression and cultural exchange.