2008 Annual Report - ASB Community Trust

09SECTOR SHOWCASEArts & CultureThe trust supports projects thatfoster access, engagement andexperience in the arts and culturalopportunities for all.ACT ONE – Touch CompassIntegrated dance and performance programmes areopportunities for Auckland-based Touch Compass topromote the ability in disability.Touch Compass is dedicated to providing opportunitiesfor participating in performance and training for peopleof all ages and abilities who want to dance. Its outreachprogrammes welcome people with and without disabilities tojoin in the creative process and its workshops have alwaysattracted strong youth participation.In 2007/08 an ASB Community Trust grant helped fund theorganisation’s operating costs.www.touchcompass.org.nzACT TWO – Operating Theatre TrustThe Operating Theatre Trust’s Tim Bray Productions bringstheatre to children who have never before experienced theexcitement of live acting.In 2007/08 an ASB Community Trust grant helped with theorganisation’s operating costs.www.timbrayproductions.co.nzACT THREE – Play It StrangeThe Play It Strange Charitable Trust wants to see youngNew Zealanders show the same confidence as songwriters asthey display on the nation’s playing fields.Its mission is to encourage the creation of music that reflectsNew Zealand’s unique culture and to help young New Zealandersdevelop their songwriting skills.Every year it holds a national secondary school songwritingcompetition and runs school ukulele orchestras. Its Bandof Strangers event allows young musicians to work withprofessional musicians and showcase their talent, whilethe Songnet website allows young musicians to learn fromexperienced songwriters, submit songs for feedback and chatwith other young writers.By encouraging creativity and innovation in our music, Play itStrange aims to provide young New Zealanders with positiverole models who have the self-confidence to make a positivecontribution to New Zealand life.In 2007/08 an ASB Community Trust grant helped withoperating costs for the Play it Strange programme.www.playitstrange.co.nzIts mission is to encourage a love of live theatre. Establishedin 1991, it prioritises low-decile schools and sign languageinterpreters are provided for at least two shows in eachproduction.The shows, often based on New Zealand literature for children,are relevant to the lives and learning of Kiwi children, becauseThe Operating Theatre Trust believes the thrill of live theatrehelps develop imagination and language skills.Dancers on balance ©Photographer Edwin Ng