Gallery promises a surreal time at annual ball

(CNS): As government budgets supporting local arts and culture continue to fall the National Gallery Cayman Islands, is even more dependent on fundraising and donations to keep providing free community programmes for all ages and backgrounds. As a result organizers are hoping that the community will be enthusiastic in their support of the annual ball a major fundraiser for the gallery. This year the ‘do’ has been inspired by Surrealism, a 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Inspired by artist such as Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Marcel Duchamp and Max Ernst the events team is promising an evening to remember, that they hope will produce very real financial results.

The National Gallery’s Events Manager, Meegan Ebanks explain described the gallery as “an inclusive gathering place” honouring Cayman’s artistic heritage.

“It celebrates art and seeks to provide inspiring learning experiences for all of our diverse public. By purchasing a ticket to The Surrealists’ Ball you’ll be directly supporting free art educational programmes and opportunities for all ages and abilities,” she added.
Funds from last year's Bright Young Things Gala have provided The National Gallery with supplies and teaching resources for the NGCI Education Department and helped to fund the multifaceted Family Fun programme. Further, funds raised ensured that admission to all of the NGCI exhibitions remained free of charge and accessible to everyone.

“We’ve planned surreal performances provided by KRI Performing Arts and Oneworld Entertainment, stunning décor thanks to Celebrations, Intec and Flowers Block & Foam as well as unconventional edible experiences thanks to Mise en Place and Jaques Scott Wines and Spirits. Cayman Airways and other local businesses have come together to help us offer grand auction packages unique to Cayman. Last but not least, we can all get HomeSafe by the services provided by The Security Centre. We cannot thank our sponsors and volunteers enough for their support of the event, it is going to be an event to remember,” Ebanks stated.

Guests are encouraged to dress in surreal fashion, and formal evening wear is a must for the soiree. National Gallery staff and volunteers have crafted a Pinterest Page, a social media web sharing application to share visual collections, of surreal fashion inspired looks for you to peruse. Art-inspired headgear and accessories have also been created especially for the eventby local designer Colette Byrne and are available for purchase.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what our creative patrons come up with,” Ebanks said. “Professional photographers David Goddard and Tony Mark will be there to capture the surreal inspired looks.”

Tickets tothe event are now on sale and can be purchased individually for CI $185.00 per person or by tables, CI 1,750.00 for a table of ten and CI $2,120.00 for a table of twelve. Tickets purchased after 15 November 2014 will increase in price. For event details contact the events team at events@nationalgallery.org.ky or call The National Gallery on (345) 945 8111.