Bermuda Arts Council Scholarship Recipients
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Bermuda Arts Council today [July 10] announced the recipients of the Bermuda Arts Council’s annual scholarship grants.
The four deserving recipients are currently enrolled or beginning courses of study in the fine arts, performing arts and visual arts. These young people, have through the application process, demonstrated a proven record of excellence, exceptional talent, financial need and community service.
The principal objectives of the Bermuda Arts Council are to develop and improve the knowledge, understanding and practice of the arts; to increase the accessibility of the arts to the public and to advise and cooperate with Government Departments, art groups and societies on any matters concerned whether, directly or indirectly, with the arts in Bermuda.
Left to Right: Permanent Secretary Mr. Wayne Carey, Bermuda Arts Council Chairperson Tona Symonds, Shanna Hollis, Marcus Smith, Senator Swan, Eryn Beach, Nahshon Hollis and Doctor Edwin Smith.
Another aspect of the Council’s mission is to ensure our young people who are studying careers in the arts are provided with the support they need. The Council presented grants totalling $40,000 to four young Bermudian students to aid them in their educational pursuits. They are:
Marcus Smith is entering his freshman year at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University pursuing a Bachelors of Fine Arts. Marcus is a multi-talented well-known dancer, actor, gymnast and aspiring singer. He has performed at various events throughout the island including performances with BMDS, G&S, BSSF and has been nominated for three outstanding Teen Awards including Overall Outstanding Teen of the Year, Outstanding Sport and Outstanding Performing Arts.
Nahshon Hollis is entering his sophomore year at Maryland Institute College of Art pursing a BFA in art. Nahshon is a prodigy, drawing since the age of two years old, he has won several accolades and awards for his artistic prowess most notably chosen has one of Oprah Winfrey’s World’s most talented kids in 2009.
Shanna Hollis is entering her freshman year at Maryland Institute College of Art pursing a BFA in art. Shanna is a bundle of artistic energy following in the footsteps of her older brother but an accomplished artist in her own right. She has also achieved academic excellence at Saltus. Her creativity spans a range of media including make-up, visual art, film and photography.
Eryn Beach has been accepted into the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for a BA [Hons] program in Contemporary Dance. She has been dancing for 14 years attending UDP and Somerset School of Dance. Her acceptance into this program is a testament to her hard work and dedication as this a very competitive and difficult program to get accepted into.
They will be awarded grants in the amount of $15,000, two awards of $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Junior Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, Senator Alexis Swan said, “Some of Bermuda’s young people have achieved success in the sports arena recently. The presentation of the Bermuda Arts Council scholarships provides recipients with another wonderful opportunity to realize success and accomplish their goals. We wish them all the best in their studies.”
On behalf of the members of the Bermuda Arts Council, Tona Symonds, Chairperson congratulated and commend the young artists on their exceptional talent, passion and commitment to their craft. With these young artists and their peers the evolution and future success of the Arts in Bermuda is assured.
