Department Announces Arts Festival Schedule

The Department of Education unveiled the schedule for this year’s Spring into the Arts Festival, with the theme “Stepping Forward: No Limitations.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The Department of Education is elated to announce the comprehensive schedule for this year’s Spring into the Arts Festival, themed “Stepping Forward: No Limitations.”

“This festival, rich in diversity and creativity, not only includes spectacular performances at Ruth Seaton James Center for the Performing Arts, but also two art exhibitions at the Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall.

“This year the festival gains even more significance as the Department joins school communities around the world to celebrate the UNESCO-designated International Arts Education Week from May 20 to May 26.

“Spring Into the Arts 2024 showcases the boundless potential of arts education through a series of events designed to highlight the talents of students from 30 public and private schools.

Details and Admission

• Primary Schools Art Exhibition: March 30th – April 11th, 2024 Middle & Senior Schools Art Exhibition: April 16th – April 29th, 2024
• Location: Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall
• Admission: Free
• Open: 10am – 4pm weekdays, 10am – 2pm Saturdays

“The art exhibitions will allow students from all year levels to display their artwork, with the community invited to vote for the People’s Choice awards in various categories. This initiative not only celebrates the artistic achievements of our students but also engages the community in appreciating and supporting young talent.

Confirmed Participation:

• 17 public primary schools, Warwick Academy, Bermuda High School, Saltus Grammar School, Somersfield Academy, Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, and Clara Mohammed School for the Primary Art Exhibition.
• 3 public middle & 2 public senior schools, Warwick Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Bermuda Institute, Bermuda High School, Saltus Grammar School, and Somersfield Academy for the Middle & Senior Art Exhibition

Performing Arts Showcases Schedule:

• Senior Schools Showcase: May 2nd, 2024 Featuring performances from The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Somersfield Academy, Saltus Grammar School, Bermuda High School, and Bermuda Institute.
• Central Family of Schools Showcase: May 9th, 2024 Featuring performances from Dellwood Middle School, Victor Scott Primary, Prospect Primary School, Northlands Primary, Gilbert Primary, West Pembroke Primary, Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, Saltus Grammar School.
• East Family of Schools Showcase: May 16th, 2024 Featuring performances from Whitney Institute Middle School, East End Primary, St. David’s Primary, St. George’s Preparatory, Francis Patton Primary, Somersfield Academy, Harrington Sound Primary,and ElliotPrimary.
• West Family of Schools Showcase: May 30th, 2024 Sandys Secondary Middle School, Somerset Primary, West End Primary, Dalton E. Tucker Primary, Port Royal Primary, Paget Primary, Purvis Primary, Bermuda Institute.

“Location and time for all showcases: Ruth Seaton James Center for the Performing Arts. 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

Admission for Performing Arts Showcases:

• $5 admission for children and adults available at the door. Cash only.
• $25 patron tickets, offering VIP seating, reserved parking, and private reception access, available in advance via GPass.bm.

“Each showcase promises an unforgettable experience with musical, dance, and theatrical performances. Tributes to local performing artists will be presented, and each night will be hosted by a different MC, adding a unique flavor to the festivities.

“All proceeds from admissions and raffle sales will be reinvested into arts programs and resources at participating schools. Additionally, festival attendees can enjoy an array of food and drink offerings from various vendors, with proceeds further supporting educational programming.

“Last year, over $7,000 was reinvested, significantly benefiting our students’ artistic endeavors. More than 500 students participated in the performing arts showcases, and over 1,000 students contributed to the art exhibition.”

“This year’s Spring into the Arts Festival is a testament to our belief in the unlimited potential of our students and the importance of arts education,” states Mrs Kalmar Richards, Commissioner of Education. “This celebration, alongside our commemoration of International Arts Education Week, underscores our commitment to nurturing the creative talents of our youth, which is fundamental to their holistic development and well-being.

“I invite the community to join us in this spectacular celebration of the arts, where we will not only showcase the extraordinary talents of our students but also collectively support the growth and enrichment of arts education in our schools.

“Let’s step forward together, with no limitations, into a future where the arts continue to play a vital role in our education system and society.”

The Government spokesperson said, “Initially founded around 1995, by Dr. Shangri-La Durham-Thompson under the leadership of the late Dr. Joseph Christopher, Spring into the Arts is a Department of Education initiative designed to showcase the artistic talent of Bermuda’s young people.”

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