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	BIG 'A' AWARDS RECIPIENT A "MOVER AND SHAKER" 16th August 2010 Wellington dancer, drummer and actor Duncan Armstrong has won the Big 'A' Winton and Margaret Bear Young Artist Award at Arts Access Aotearoa's Big 'A' Awards 2010. Described by the award judges as "a mover and shaker, crossing boundaries and artforms, and bringing out the best in others", Duncan has not let Down Syndrome stop him succeeding academically and pursuing his goal of a professional career in the performing arts. After studying drama and music at Onslow College, he completed a Certificate in Foundation Music at Whitireia Polytechnic in 2008. Over the past five years, he has participated in many workshops with Touch Compass, an Auckland integrated dance company combining dancers with and without disabilities. Its artistic director, Catherine Chappell, described Duncan as a fine musician and dancer with "the ability and right attitude to develop his skills in the performing arts and go on to find employment in this form". In March this year, Duncan was invited to participate in a masterclass and creative development workshop with Philip Channell's Restless Dance Theatre in Sydney. He returned to Australia in April to participate in a three-day residency with rawcus theatre from Melbourne and Restless Dance Theatre. He is hoping to further the relationship with Restless in the near future. Duncan is a member of the Wellington City Council Youth Council, and has been a staunch advocate of young disabled people. He knows the barriers they face and the way discrimination can lead to loss of confidence. He has had a walk-on part in Shortland Street, performed at Te Papa on the International Day of Disabled Persons, and with his rock band Rented Strangers at an international conference on inclusive education. The judges concluded that Duncan's tenacity, courage, spirit and achievements were fantastic. "It would be very cool if winning this award broke down some barriers and provided artistic opportunities for Duncan to advance his career." The award recognises the development of a talented artist aged under 21 in the Greater Wellington region who faces barriers in pursuing his/her artistic talent. The Winton and Margaret Bear Trust supports youth living in the region. Arts Access Aotearoa is the national voice for artists and communities that have been marginalised by the mainstream. Working in partnership with individuals and organisations, it helps ensure New Zealanders have access to the arts and can create, perform and develop their own arts. For more information on Dance and Disabilities Photo by Neil McKenzie, Online Fotos
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BIG 'A' AWARDS RECIPIENT A "MOVER AND SHAKER"