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Our goal is to give access and exposure to the Performing Arts to underprivileged children and young people

What we do

Theatre as…
A gateway, an opportunity and a place to build skills and confidence
Helping…

Underprivileged children & young people in the UK and the US

Since 2024…
The Garek Trust is recently established with campaigns rolling out in Summer 2024
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The Garek Trust

“The Garek Trust is a newly established charitable trust based in London. Our goal is to give access and exposure to the Performing Arts to underprivileged children and young people through a variety of means.”

Who we support

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Who we are

Chris Garek

Chris, Founder and CEO of The Garek Trust, began his career in retail as Director of Stores for Gap in Canada. From there he expanded the store’s presence, opening Gap in Japan. After his time in Japan, Chris moved into the ‘brand’ side of retail where he became CEO of Space NK in London and also Chairman of globally renowned brands such as Diptyque and Byredo.

Chris’s interest in the performing arts was sparked at just 14 years of age when, attending middle school, in Providence, RI, he was selected to attend a 3-month state funded summer programme. This programme was designed specifically for children who demonstrated potential but would not normally have had the financial means to fund it. It was here that Chris was first exposed to theatre and music. It was a life changing experience that built his confidence, taught him invaluable life lessons and brought out his inner ‘drama queen’.

Now, Chris would like to give back.

Harriet Vakil

After studying Geography at Nottingham University, Harriet started her career in retail at Space NK in HR. From here, she remained in HR in the luxury retail sector for a number of years. In 2016, Harriet went back to work at Space NK but this time in the capacity of EA, working for Chris. It was here that their professional relationship began.

Harriet now works as Chief of Staff for The Garek Trust alongside raising her three daughters in London. Harriet has always been a fan of theatre, especially musicals, but now spends a lot more time watching productions for children, so the focus of The Garek Trust is close to her heart.

Press Releases

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Polka Playwriting Award
This newly established award, open to unsolicited submission, will champion playwriting and the creation of new work for a young audience.
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Summer Stage Young Creatives 2024
Led by friendly expert practitioners, Summer Stage is a low-cost Performing Arts summer school for young people aged 13 to 17.
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Family First Nights
FFN is programme exclusively for low-income families, offering the chance to see a top West End show.
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Backstage Roadshow
Led by industry professionals, this series of free backstage arts skills workshops will be given directly to UK state schools from September 2024.