(Nashville, TN) April 28, 2008 – Compassionart songwriters, Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Israel Houghton, Michael W. Smith and Chris Tomlin appeared live on the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards to world premiere “So Great,” the first song to be released from the unprecidented songwriter’s retreat held in Scotland, UK, in January. The songwriters also received eight Dove Awards, giving them 118 Dove trophies collectively.

Compassionart founders Martin (Delirious? frontman) and Anna Smith and Compassionart songwriter Darlene Zschech appeared via video link from Australia to introduce the song and talk about the hope behind Compassionart to help the poorest of the poor.

Joining the songwriters at the Grande Ole Opry House in Nashville for the awards ceremony that was telecast by the Gospel Music Channel was special guest vocalist Christy Nockels. Nockels, Houghton and Michael W. Smith are featured on the recording of the song that is available now on the WOW Hits 1 album. “So Great” will also be featured on the Compassionart album slated for release this fall.

“The song ‘So Great’ is an example of one of the many amazing moments shared by the songwriters at the recent Compassionart retreat,” says Martin Smith, speaking from Sydney, Australia. “I’m thrilled the Dove Awards chose to share in our hope; that this song not only blesses those hearing it, but that the song, and the songs to come, will benefit those that are suffering.”

Recognized for its charity work, Compassionart also became the recipient of the inaugural “Gospel Angel Award” presented by the Gospel Music Channel during the network's telecast of the Dove Awards. GMC created the special award to honor Christian/Gospel artists for putting their faith in action and helping those in need. “The selfless contribution of the songwriters involved in the work of Compassionart to bring relief to the poor deserves praise and recognition,” says Charles Humbard, founder and president, Gospel Music Channel, the nation’s fastest growing cable network that is now available in 40 million homes. “It is fitting to honor these songwriters with the first Gospel Angel Award and to present it in the appropriate setting of Gospel Music Channel's exclusive live telecast of 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards.”

Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton, England, is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the relief of suffering around the planet. Working together toward a common goal involving no personal gain, the songwriters at the recent retreat set out to write 10-12 songs and, by the end of the retreat, had completed 22 new songs. In addition to those on the GMA Dove Awards, Compassionart songwriters include Stu Garrard (Delirious?), Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park and Matt Redman.