Minister asks for more culture for less money

(CNS): With budget constraints impacting all government departments, the minister with responsibility for culture has asked the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) to try to do more for less by co-ordinating their promotional and education efforts with other related bodies such as the National Museum, the National Archive, the National Gallery and the National Trust. On a recent visit to the foundation Mark Scotland urged Cayman’s cultural organisations to also identify an overall cultural philosophy to promote local culture. “Coordinating efforts will enable us to do more with less – something that is more important than ever as budgets and private donations continue to shrink,” Scotland said.

Artistic Director for CNCF Henry Muttoo said he appreciated the government’s concern for cultural development and sustainability through education and training, and told him that coordinated efforts were already part of the work of the foundation.

“The Foundation also supports a coordinated effort and, as such, we are already working closely with our sister organisations and the ministry to realise the common goals of developing, preserving and celebrating arts and culture in these islands,” he said, adding that Cayfest and the National Arts & Culture Awards were just two such examples.

The CNCF is a non-profit organization that was created to “stimulate, facilitate and preserve cultural and artistic expression generally, particularly the preservation and exploration of Caymanian performing, visual and literary arts.”

It is funded by an annual government grant from the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture. Additional funding comes from corporate sponsorship, event ticket sales and rental of the Harquail Theatre and Studio Theatre.

The work of the Cultural Foundation incorporates arts and cultural preservation, cultural festivals, the National Theatre, artistic development, youth arts, and special projects.

“Volunteers are always needed to assist with various programmes and projects and we invite people to join in preserving our unique traditions,” Mr. Muttoo said.

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