Several local artists and creatives will be celebrated this weekend when the Department of Culture honours the recipients of the 2024 Bermuda Arts Council Awards on Saturday, May 4 2024.
Among this year's recipients was Dame Jennifer Smith, who will be awarded the Patron Award for her years of support and generosity to the arts community. The ceremony will take place at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium from 6 – 8 pm.
Attendance at the event is free to members of the public.
The Bermuda Arts Council invites the public to join us in celebrating the arts at our 2023 Awards Ceremony on Saturday May 4th. The ceremony will take place at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium from 6 – 8pm. Attendance at the event is free.
The event will honour Bermudian artists in the following categories:
- Dr. Edwin M.E. Smith and David K. Knight (posthumous) will be recognized with The Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is presented to those persons who are respected in their art form, and who have created a significant body of original work that is representative of the Bermudian spirit.
- The Founder Award will be presented to Dwayne Julian Carter Paynter and Gavin Djata Smith for being pioneers in their respective art form. This award is given to artists who have been mentors/ role models for their fellow artists and the generations to follow.
- The Patron Award is presented to those persons who have been benefactors to the Bermuda Arts Community. The award signifies the appreciation of the Bermudian community, and is being awarded to Dame Jennifer M. Smith.
- Actress Lana Young will receive the Earl Cameron Award for her standout stage and television performances on an international stage, as a nominee for Most Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture for A Jazzman’s Blues. The Earl Cameron Award, in honour of Bermuda’s distinguished son Earlston J. Cameron, CBE, recognises expertise and vision. Introduced in 2019, this occasional award will be presented to a Bermudian professional in early-or mid-career who has demonstrated exceptional passion, commitment and talent in the field of theatre, cinematography, film or video production.
In honouring this year's recipients, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Sen. Owen K. Darrell, JP, said, “To all our awardees, thank you for your invaluable contributions and for continuing to inspire and lead within our community. Your work enhances our cultural landscape and ensures that the arts remain a vibrant part of our national identity. On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend heartfelt congratulations to each of you. We remain committed to supporting and celebrating the arts and recognising their vital role in our society.“
Shanna Hollis, Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council said: “The vibrant cultural landscape of Bermuda is a testament to the sheer passion and artistic talent of its people. Our island community is home to a diverse array of creative individuals who pursue their dreams with energy and hard work, knowing that they are supported by the community around them.”
In addition to the awards mentioned above, the event will also celebrate all 2023 Bermuda Arts Council grant recipients, in the following categories:
Individual Grants:
In 2023 the BAC received 27 individual applications, and of that number was able to support 17 artists, with a combined total of $54,200. Individual Grant recipients for 2023 include:
- Dion Easton towards filmmaking and videography.
- Callum Smith towards the production of three music videos.
- David Chapman towards the publication of a book on the Bermuda Gombey.
- DaeNyce Rabain towards photography for her SKB (Summer by Keile) fashion collection.
- Helen Zoellner towards the film project “Sun, Rose’ and Romance”
- T’aja Williams towards a ballet intensive at Alonzo King LINES.
- Yesha Townsend toward a creative writing residency programme.
- John Gardner towards a Bermuda stone preservation project.
- Neal Morris towards an art showcase.
- Joan Butterfield towards the creation of four art pieces for an exhibit.
- Leeann Medeiros - towards production of a 6 song extended play (E.P.).
- Wayne Raynor -towards the production of the music video for the song “One Blood”
- Rory Wilson - towards the film project PITS!.
- Sinead Simmons - towards the production of a music video.
- Marcus Smith - towards a film project on the Dynamic City Rockettes Majorette Group.
- Kristin White - towards the production of the comedy show Town(E).
- Dana Selassie - towards the production of the documentary Unmasking the Shadows.
Organisational Grants:
In 2023 the BAC received 12 organisational applications and of that number was able to offer 9 grants, totalling $46,000. 2023 Organisational Grant recipients include:
- Devonshire Colts Football Club - towards the development of a documentary on the history and cultural impact of the club.
- Ed Smith (artsmithbda) - towards an art exhibition at Bermuda Society of Arts
- Peak Potential Bda - towards an art exhibition at Bermuda Society of Arts.
- Troika - towards the theatre production of the musical Serafina.
- Bermuda National Gallery - towards the exhibition Sense of Belonging.
- Noire Youth Theatre Company - towards the theatre production “Voice”
- SJD World - towards the film project Thoughts Become Things.
- Bermuda Donquili - towards educational development travels to Africa and drums for the students of their youth academy.
- Rhythm Flow - towards the dance production, SENSE.
Student Grants:
Student Grants are awarded to individuals pursuing higher education at various levels within in the arts. In 2023 the council received a total of 20 student grant applications, and of the 20, Tiko Caines and DaeLyn Saint-Surin were selected.
- Tiko Caines, who began his Associates in Art & Design at Bermuda College this past fall. Mr. Caines is a visual artist with an interest in design and video games. At the young age of 19, Mr. Caines has already developed multiple video games.
- DaeLyn Saint-Surin, who is currently finishing a Bachelors of Arts degree in Graphic Design from St. Lawrence College in Canada. Ms. Saint-Surin is a graduate of The Berkeley Institute and uses her artistic talents to support the work of social justice organisations like OUTBermuda.
Ms. Hollis continued, saying: “The Bermuda Arts Council plays a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting artistic expression by providing vital support and resources to local artists, empowering them to pursue their passions and enriching the community with diverse perspectives and the preservation of our cultural heritage.”
“Through the Council's efforts, we are able to celebrate and appreciate the unique talent of our artists, contributing significantly to the island's identity, economy, and overall well-being.”
The Bermuda Arts Council operates as part of the Department of Culture. Interested artists can visit culture.bm for more information or to download a grant application form.