12 Maxims underpin Zest.
Developed with the young people from Future Proof, these words explain who we are, what we do, and what we want people to experience through our work.
Everyone at Zest, from board members, through to our staff and creatives, embody these core values.
We are Zest
We personify our name. Energetic, passionate and effervescent.
It comes from the heart
Everything we do comes from the heart; from a place of love. It’s intentional, with a clear purpose and drive. We inspire audiences by putting them at the heart of the story. The arts change lives! We therefore create engaging and meaningful experiences that aim to do just that.
Forever young
We exist for young people under 25; to empower, educate, amplify and entertain. Our Board, Staff and Creatives aren’t always young in age, but we’re always young in approach: ambitious, excited and ready to question, inspire and bring something fresh.
Be inclusive
Zest is an inclusive organisation where all voices, experiences and abilities are included, seen and heard.
Build community
Zest builds communities by finding the common ground to create unity. We embrace the individual and connect them to the collective. Our leadership structure motivates collaboration where all feel a sense of ownership. We know that we are stronger together.
Listen more, speak less
Everything we do emerges from the words of young people. Zest fine tunes the rabble of the world to seek young people’s frequency. Through active listening, we give participants our full attention, asking follow up questions, respecting their experiences and valuing their opinions. Listening is learning and enriches every inch of our work.
Share the truth
Young people share their raw, authentic truth through our process of active listening. Through art we amplify this truth; the good, the bad, the ugly, and the inconvenient – all of what needs to be seen and heard. Representation not adaptation.
Cultivate empowerment to ignite pride
There is a tangible power in our process. Empowering people, building platforms, amplifying voices; being seen and heard ignites pride in our participants and audiences. Pride in self, pride in community, and pride in what can be achieved together.
Small but mighty
We may be small in numbers, but we are mighty and ready to change the world! We’re bold, resilient, ambitious and aren’t scared to re-write the rules. When we’re told we can’t, we usually prove we can.
Attention to detail
The quality of our work speaks for itself. From the emails we send through to the final curtain call, the smallest of details matter. By caring about the details we demonstrate that we really care about and value those on the receiving end of our work.
Have integrity
We strive to do things right and when we don’t, we hold our hands up and do it better next time.
Everything is an opportunity
We’re open to new ideas and always ready to change. Everything is a potential opportunity; even the most unlikely of ideas or the things that don’t go to plan. Evaluate, evolve and think outside the box.
