Cultural Legacy Fund Recipients Announced

Good Morning,

As the Minister for culture, I am extremely pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Cultural Legacy Fund, demonstrating Government’s commitment to the development, promotion and support of culture and the arts in Bermuda.

The original and continuing intent of this initiative is for Government to provide tangible support for projects that promote, sustain, celebrate and educate the public about our cultural heritage and the arts. Government recognizes that it has a major role to play in the preservation, promotion and celebration of Bermuda’s culture, folklife and heritage.

In the 2014 Speech from the Throne your Government acknowledged the value and the importance of culture and the arts, and committed to the introduction of a National Cultural Heritage Policy which would “promote understanding and appreciation of the Island’s rich and diverse heritage…”.

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is currently consulting with internal and external stakeholders with regard to this Policy. The continued support of the Cultural Legacy Fund is an important mechanism through which Government endeavours to sustain our cultural heritage.

The Cultural Legacy Fund [or CLF as we abbreviate it] was established in 2009 during Bermuda’s celebration of its 400th anniversary of continuous habitation. The CLF was therefore established to be a continuing legacy arising out of that significant historic milestone.

Government’s support of culture, the arts, folklife and research is critical. Our culture, folklife, traditions and our heritage define us as a people; they engender a sense of identity, pride and love for who we; they are entrenched in the spirit of our people.

Government recognizes that as a small island community we must strive to protect and preserve our unique culture and heritage. At the same time, it is vital that we share our culture and heritage with the world in the form of cultural tourism, and take advantage of opportunities afforded by advancements in technology, such as social media.

The Cultural Legacy Fund provides a financial boost to the development of a vibrant and diverse arts based community and this is truly reflected in the selection of those who been identified to receive these awards.

It is my belief that the creators – the artists, writers, historians, musicians, actors and actresses and all in the entertainment industry, as well as our tradition bearers, folklorists, must be encouraged to continue their work and must also be acknowledged for the very significant role that they play.

Grants provided through the Cultural Legacy Fund will go to Kamilah Cannonier to assist her in the production of a series on Bermudian cuisine entitled Tastes Well. This series will be posted on You Tube. We are also pleased to provide some funding support to the Bermuda National Gallery’s Youth Camera Action programme. Our support helps make it possible for this initiative to be offered free of charge to public Middle School students for three terms. Funding support is also being given to the Corporation of Hamilton to assist with their Walk of Fame project which includes the installation of plaques of our National Heroes.

It is assistance for such initiatives that the CLF was created; and will help to promote those playing an instrumental role in sustaining Bermuda’s culture and heritage.

I will now present the recipients with letters which indicate the level of funding support.

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