Local arts fest promises kaleidoscope of talent

(CNS): The Cayman National Cultural foundation is now gearing up for this year’s Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts which is scheduled for next month. Emphasizing local arts and culture, showcasing Cayman’s finest talent, with a mix of visual arts, music, theatre, film, fashion design, photography and cultural discussions, Cayfest 2014 is a three-day programme from February 27 to March 1 which includesthe National Arts & Culture Awards, a Dress for Culture Day and the Red Sky at Night festival, where the full spectrum of the arts in Cayman will be on display.

“Think of a colour wheel with all its nuance, brilliance, contrast and harmony. These are the qualities our national festival, Cayfest uncovers and celebrates. It is truly a marvelous festival that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to take advantage of the abundance of amazing talent that we have right here in Cayman when it comes to our creative industries,” said Marcia Muttoo, CNCF Managing Director. Of the much loved local festival.

On February 27th CNCF will reveal the winners of the 20th Annual National Arts & Culture Awards. The National Arts and Culture Awards recognise those who attain a level of merit in their artistic discipline or contribute to the arts, culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands.

The 2013 Heritage Cross Awards and Star for Creativity Awards will be presented, along with recognitions for Volunteer of the Year, Sponsor of the Year and for outstanding long-term support of CNCF’s work (the Chairman’s Award). The awards ceremony is a CNCF initiative that began in 1990. Each year there is a call for nominations from cultural and heritage organisations, in collaboration with the general public.

Past winners include artist Bendel Hydes, Dave Martins, the creator of Rundown; visual artists Ed Oliver and Joanne Sibley; architect John Doak, dancer/choreographer Jackie Balls and musical legend Aunt Julia Hydes.

Dress for Culture Day on will celebrate Cayman’s cultural tapestry by inviting the public to wear something that represents their roots or heritage to work or school on Friday February 28.  Donations raised from this dress down day will go directly to CNCF youth and cultural programming.

"We must realise that we are more alike than different in our various cultural expressions and by working together we can have a more significant impact on our development as human beings.  Setting aside one day specifically to showcase our national dress, food or other memorabilia, is a good start to the weaving of our cultural tapestry,"  said Lorna Bush, CNCF Programmes and Public Education Officer.

For more information on how to get your organisation involved, email marketcncf@candw.ky or call CNCF on (345) 949 5477.

The Red Sky at Night’ festival on Saturday, 1 March 4pm to 12 midnight at the F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre, will feature the work of over 50 artists, performers and craftspeople.  Patrons will be treated to live performances from singers, dancers, actors and storytellers, as well as creative work by local visual artists and crafts people, including exquisite handmade items, art installations and sculptures.

Celebrated films from around the Caribbean and inspiring live performances will be featured within the festival theatres. Besides all of this, there will be plenty of food on sale, from popular hot local dishes, to snacks and desserts, to fresh juices and organically grown produce. CNCF has invited over ten other non-profit organisations to participate, including the National Museum, National Gallery, Catboat Club, National Archive, Visual Arts Society, Cayman Drama Society and the Astronomical Society, to name a few.

Programmes Manager Rita Estevanovich explained, “We are always happy to connect creatively with our sister organisations on events such as Cayfest. Cayfest is Cayman’s national festival of the arts, so it is fitting to have as many of our sister organisations involved as much as possible; the more each of us contributes to the overall festival, the more enjoyable the festival experience is for our residents and visitors alike. It will give the community a chance to learn about the many important cultural, environmental, historical and artistic programmes we each administer, with the convenience of having representatives from each organisation in one location. It’s a win- win for everyone.”  

Tickets for the Red Sky at Night Festival cost from $5 – $15 and are available from the Harquail Theatre, Fosters Food Fair (Airport) and Funky Tangs.  Call 949-5477 for more information and to find out about discounts. Join CNCF in remembering and discovering all the reasons we love arts and culture in the Cayman Islands! www.artscayman.org/cayfest