Who we are

The Glastonbury Family Arts Foundation was created to support a more open, inclusive and accessible arts landscape.

About Us

The Glastonbury Family Arts Foundation was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2025.

We are a complementary partner to the Sunrise Foundation, which supports community-led initiatives in disadvantaged areas. While Sunrise focuses on access and participation for all disadvantaged people, GFAF is dedicated to the provision and development of artistic excellence for all.

In our first year, we will award a modest number of grants while undertaking research into how best to serve Bristol’s artistic ecosystem and support excellence sustainably over the long term.

The Foundation was established by Maggie Glastonbury, our Founder and Chair of Trustees. She is supported by a Board of Trustees with wide-ranging experience of artistic provision across the city and beyond.

Our Mission

The Glastonbury Family Arts Foundation (GFAF) supports artistic excellence across all art forms in Bristol and its surrounding areas – anywhere with a BS postcode.

We do this by awarding grants to individuals and organisations with the capacity to inspire, surprise and transform artistic understanding through the making and sharing of their work.

Our aim is to gift time and space: enabling talented artists to test, deepen and grow their practice, and helping organisations to upscale their provision of excellence at a national and international level.

We also encourage our grantees to nurture new talent through mentoring, collaboration and the sharing of artistic learning, creating a virtuous cycle that strengthens the city’s creative ecology.

Through sustained support over time, we want Bristol to realise its potential as a city recognised globally for inspirational art-making.

Meet the Team

Maggie Glastonbury

Maggie believes exposure to and activities within the Arts has a significant impact upon everyone’s health and well-being so, decided to widen access by funding Arts based activities and education.

She enjoyed a long career in Further Education before establishing a therapy centre in 2016 and a grant giving foundation in 2017.

This move into the charitable sector was a huge learning experience for her and she could see many opportunities to help people across the wider community.

Maggie is excited to see how The Glastonbury Arts Foundation can support human creativity and broaden opportunities for more people to benefit from experiencing all forms of artistic endeavour

Marta Glastonbury

Marta moved to Bristol 19 years ago and quickly fell in love with the city’s vibrant creative scene. From gigs and exhibitions to experimental performance, she enjoys exploring new art and actively supporting artists across disciplines. She believes that excellent art should be accessible to everyone.

With a professional background in finance, including roles as Finance Business Partner and Project Accountant, Marta brings strategic insight and practical expertise to the Foundation. She combines a strong analytical skills with a genuine passion for artistic excellence and sustainable provision.

Marta values meeting new people, building connections and contributing to Bristol’s ongoing ambition to be recognised for inspiring and transformative art-making

James Glastonbury

James is passionate about grass roots music. As well as playing instruments, he loves his DJ role at venues in and around Bristol and is a frequent visitor to live music events.

He recognises the value of music and all creative arts on wellbeing and positivity.

It is his view that the Glastonbury Arts foundation can have a positive impact on children and adults in a range of different ways and he wishes to be part of taking the work forward.

George Ferguson

Architect and Past President of Royal Institute of British Architects (2003/5) and first elected Mayor of Bristol UK (2012-16). Under his leadership Bristol became European Green Capital, a founder Rockefeller ‘100 Resilient City’, UNESCO Learning City, and recipient of other international awards. He founded the Tobacco Factory and Bristol Beer Factory and, latterly, the Factory Foundation dedicated to community projects in South Bristol.

He is an Academician and Chair of the Royal West of England Academy, an Advisor to Historic England and an advocate for liveable cities and the global environment. He was appointed a CBE for services to architecture and the community in 2010, has honorary degrees from the University of Bristol and the University of West of England and is a Fellow of the Cabot Institute at the University of Bristol.

Jonathan James

Dr Jonathan James is the founder-director of Dovetail Orchestra, a charity that works with musicians who have been displaced. He began his career as a conductor, did a brief stint in teaching, and then has freelanced as a music educator since 2010. Aside from Dovetail, he teaches at conservatoires and leads creative workshops.
He has set up and run several organisations in the city, including the New Bristol Sinfonia and the Bristol Pre-Conservatoire, and is an experienced trustee, having served on a wide range of charitable boards nationally.

Adrian Mantle

After a rewarding 30-year career in the fire service I’ve turned my attention and efforts towards the world of arts and culture. I’m involved in projects around Bristol such as supporting theatre groups, hosting music events and promoting the arts, including starting an art gallery in my neighbourhood.

My current main project is coordinating the Bristol Gallery Weekend. This takes place every year in March and helps to Showcase the contemporary art scene in Bristol with a programme of events and activities at a variety of art spaces and galleries.

My other passion is Spain and the Spanish language, which I’ve been learning for the last 10 years

Behind the Work

Behind the work is a team passionate about the Arts and the opportunity to make a difference. We will be responsive to applications and interest we receive to develop and grow as a grant giving foundation. We hope to be inspired and intrigued by the people reaching out to us.