Our Background and History

Nurturing Filipino Creativity Since 2013

What began as small creative gatherings in a family home in 2013 has grown into a vibrant organisation dedicated to celebrating and empowering Filipino arts and culture across West Yorkshire. In 2023, Creative Hearts United reached a significant milestone by becoming a registered charity, marking an important step forward in its journey.

Kids dance the Bulaklakan folk dance at Cultural Night of Renalytes Christmas Party.

Background

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.

Homegrown Beginnings

Their initial venture into the realm of community involvement began in 2013, it was sparked by the vibrant Filipino community thriving in the city of Leeds.

During their early years, they 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.

Creative Hearts United. Filipino children in Choir rehearsal for the Philippine typhoon appeal charity concert

Santa Cruzan at Leeds Barrio Fiesta 2014.

Growing Community Recognition

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 now-defunct Filipino Leeds Association (FLA), a non-profit organisation. 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.

A New Chapter of Cultural Empowerment

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, Cherry Mullins, and Revson Ignacio, 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.

Leeds Barrio Fiesta 2014 Planting Rice Folk Dancers.

GIVE US A HAND

Your support is vital to ensure that we can continue to provide opportunities for our community to engage in arts and cultural activities that enhance their lives.

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