Ricky Martin becomes an Ambassador for Place2Be

Creative Director, Film Maker and Presenter Ricky Martin, who is best known for his CBBC show ‘Art Ninja’, has become Place2Be’s newest Ambassador. 

Ricky is a writer, director, editor, animator and presenter with over 12 years’ experience. He has been nominated at the BAFTA Children and Young People’s Awards on multiple occasions and has led BAFTA and RTS award-winning teams. 

With many strings to his bow, Ricky has worked across different platforms; from editing series, creating bespoke animations for third parties, and directing award-winning digital content for Aardman animations. His presenting work includes CBBC’s Art Ninja, BBC Earth Sketch Pad and Hey Duggee’s Draw Along. Ricky strives to inspire creativity in young people and ‘find the fun’ in everything he embarks on.

Following two years of incredible support for Place2Be, Ricky is stepping up from the role of Champion to Ambassador. Over the past two years, Ricky has supported us in so many ways: raising almost £4,000 for us through charity art auctions during Children's Mental Health Week 2021 and 2022, taking part in the 2021 Schools Time Capsule project and collaborating with Place2Be’s Art Room on their Portals: Exploring Changes project. During Children’s Mental Health Week 2022, he also led a creative art workshop in a primary school. 

To coincide with the news of his new appointment, Ricky has collaborated with Place2Be’s Art Room team, once again, on the relaunch of their Calm: Soothing Worries project. Watch below as Ricky shares more about the project, and how to get involved.

Explore the Calm: Soothing Worries project

Commenting on Ricky’s appointment, Place2Be's Chief Executive said: 

“The encouragement Ricky has shown Place2Be over the last two years has been so uplifting.  We are so thrilled to welcome him in his new role as Ambassador, continuing to champion the importance of art and creativity for mental health and wellbeing. Ricky has such natural warmth and empathy and through his work, he creates connections with children and adults alike. We are honoured to have Ricky’s continuing support and endorsement of all we do here at Place2Be, helping children build resilience, cope with challenges, and to thrive.”   

Read more about Place2Be’s Ambassadors and Champions