Bright Future: NZCT Powers Up SkillWise Auditorium
Check out what one of our generous supporters wrote about us!
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded SPAN Charitable Trust a grant of $1,375 to re-wire the audiovisual system in their SkillWise adult community education auditorium in Christchurch, making the space safer, easier to use, and better equipped for learners, staff, and community groups.
Fundraising Coordinator Bleuette Hille says, “As an activity space used by about one hundred learners every week, our theatre/auditorium is critical to learning and performance. Thirty staff use it for meetings, twenty kapa haka members practice weekly, and our recent production, Octopus, drew over 120 audience members in a sold-out five-night run.
An amateur volunteer did the original wiring, and a recent fire alert highlighted the need for a full rewire. This grant significantly reduces the risk of fire and ensures we meet insurance requirements, allowing us to continue investing in our core services.”
SkillWise supports over 240 adults with learning disabilities through more than 45 activities each semester, including classes, hobby clubs, creative projects, and performance opportunities. Previously, only a few technically savvy staff could manage the outdated AV setup, limiting performances and learning opportunities. With modern equipment, staff and members can develop technical skills, exercise creative autonomy, and community groups can hire the space at a nominal fee.
Oscar Hastings-Bell, performer and SkillWise member, says, “I like the auditorium because it's a nice place to experiment with props, costumes and technologies and workshop our performance skills.”
Finn Salm, SkillWise learner, adds, “SkillWise is a great place to come to, to learn skills for living and join the open mic sessions.”
NZCT’s General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds “We’re delighted to help the SkillWise crew modernise their performance space. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the fundraising partnerships we share with local hospitality venues via their responsible gaming lounges.”