Cultural medals up for grabs

(CNS): Although the Annual National Arts and Culture Awards an initiative Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has been around for some 16 years the 2009 the awards have undergone a transformation. This year the CNCF is lookingfor nominees for the CNCF Heritage Cross Medal and the CNCF Star for Creativity in the Arts Medal. Despite the new name and awards the medals are still about recognising those who have made a significant contribution to Caymanian arts and culture.

The CNCF Heritage Cross Medal is awarded to those who have a consistent and active, quality engagement in the preservation and celebration of Caymanian cultural heritage. 
“The recipient must be Cayman by birth or status grant or a long term resident,” the CNCF said.

The Heritage Cross Medal has three divisions. The Gold is for a lifetime or a minimum of 20 years of quality engagement in the preservation/celebration of Caymanian culture. This award may be given posthumously.  The Silver is for a minimum of ten years and the Bronze is for a minimum of five years.

The CNCF Star for Creativity in the Arts Medal also has three divisions. Gold for a lifetime body of work again a minimum of 20 years, that is of consistent, high quality creativity recognised in Cayman or internationally; Silver for a minimum of 15 years of work and Bronze for a minimum of five years.

CNCF’s Artistic Director Henry Muttoo designed both medals and this year’s awards ceremony is part of the CNCF 25th Anniversary Celebration that is planned for October. The award recipients are to be selected bv the CNCF Grants and Awards Committee.

Nominations from the general public will be accepted for the awards until 27 August. They  must be submitted in writing and describe how the nominee has measurably contributed to the preservation and/or celebration of Caymanian culture over the specified period or their body of creative work. The submission must include the name and contact information of the person making the nomination and contact information for the nominee. Nominations may be made through the post by mailing to Arts & Culture Awards, PO Box 30201, Grand Cayman KY1-1201 CAYMAN ISLANDS. Nominations may also be emailed to projcncf@candw.ky.

Details of the criteria for each award division are available on the CNCF website www.artscayman.org, click on Arts and Culture Awards under Open Door to the Arts.