One hundred percent of the proceeds derived from the songs written at the Compassionart retreat will go directly to charity. One half of the monies will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50% will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved.

“Over the last few years I have had the privilege of traveling to some of the poorest parts of the world and seeing first hand the plight of humanity,” says Martin Smith, Delirious? frontman and Compassionart founder who is organizing the retreat along with his wife, Anna. “As a song writer and a person with a microphone I made a promise to try and do something about it. What better than to call on my friends and do something together. To be people that can make a change rather than just singing about it.”

Remarkably, the songwriters, publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England and dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. And this is not a one-time offering or marketing ploy, but an ongoing effort for charity derived over the songs’ lifetimes.

“They have all waived their rights to see something historic happen- the music business coming together for something great, greater than any individual could achieve,” continues Smith.

The participating songwriters echo their enthusiasm for Compassionart and what it hopes to accomplish:

“I am so grateful to be a part of Compassionart and extremely optimistic of what will come of it. The motivation of this week and all involved so resonates with my heart in regards to the poor. Isaiah 58 is the passage that I go to now more than any other, knowing that if we feed the poor, satisfy the needs of the oppressed and reach out to the downtrodden, the Lord will indeed make His face shine upon us.”
-- Michael W. Smith

“I know that Compassionart is in the heart of God. I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of it. What an amazing gathering of people and songwriters. I sense that God is going to release His heart on new songs.”
-- Chris Tomlin

“Compassionart is definitely here in the timing of God, and there is nothing that stirs His heart like bringing relief to human suffering. Worship and Justice has always been a heaven combination, and Mark and I are completely committed to Martin and Anna and their passion to see the fulfillment of this dream come to pass. So, we enter this season of writing and dreaming with great excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. Put this together with the great bonus of spending a week with some of the people we admire most in the world.... Cannot wait.”
-- Darlene Zschech

“We’ve all talked for years about going deeper in worship - and that though music is such a wonderful expression, we must ultimately go beyond writing songs. This new venture is a great demonstration of that heart. Compassion and art - what a great mix.”
-- Matt Redman

“I’m really excited about this opportunity to come together with gifted and inspired songwriters from around the world. Who knows what God might do as we lay down our agendas and work together to write and create God inspired songs that beat with His heart for justice.”
-- Tim Hughes

“I’m grateful to be part of such a powerful ‘Kingdom’ event. What a beautiful vision to combine art, compassion, and justice in hopes of displaying the heart of God to the world. ‘How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell [and write songs of worship] together in unity...for there the Lord bestows a blessing.’ (Ps.133) I love the idea of us serving others through song, without seeking anything in return. Let’s be praying that God will bless our efforts as we humbly trust Him for inspiration and favor.”
-- Paul Baloche

“I am excited at the possibilities of this creative collaboration - not only to bring to birth some great songs that make the praises of God audible, but to help birth projects and release resources that make the love of God tangible to those most vulnerable – the children.”
-- Graham Kendrick

“The idea of writing songs that will benefit the needy and broken people of our world really excites me. Gathering with a group of seasoned songwriters to write for the worldwide church and for charity promises to be a great week of fellowship and co-working for the kingdom of God. I’m really looking forward to our time together.”
-- Andy Park

“I think what Martin and Anna are doing with Compassionart is brilliant. I’m honored to be involved and in some small way make a difference by doing something I love.”
-- Stu Garrard

For more information on the Compassionart songwriter’s retreat, go to http://www.compassionart.co.uk/.