Bermuda Arts Council Awards New Grants

The Bermuda Arts Council [BAC] has announced its 2025 fourth-quarter grant recipients — Jordan Carey, Ayana Bean, Alex Andre, and Alyson Thompson — highlighting the island’s diverse and vibrant arts community.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Arts Council [BAC], the main external funding body of the Department of Culture, is pleased to announce the fourth quarter recipients of its 2025 grants, highlighting the organisation’s continued dedication to supporting local artists and cultural institutions. The awardees reflect a diverse range of disciplines and stages of creative development, showcasing the depth of talent within Bermuda’s arts community. These grants aim to empower creatives in delivering meaningful projects that enhance the island’s cultural landscape.”

Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport Owen Darrell said: “The Government of Bermuda remains committed to strengthening our creative sector and supporting the talented individuals who bring our culture to life. Through the Bermuda Arts Council’s grant programme, we continue to invest in projects that celebrate Bermudian stories, nurture innovation, and provide meaningful opportunities for artists to share their work with the community. These awardees represent the passion, creativity, and cultural pride that define Bermuda’s artistic landscape, and we are pleased to support their continued growth and impact.”

Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council, Shanna Hollis, shared: “I would like to thank Bermuda’s creative community for their patience and engagement as the Bermuda Arts Council continues refining our grant processes to ensure they are effective, transparent, and accessible. We are also grateful to the Department of Culture for increasing our annual budget from $117,000 to $167,000, a meaningful investment that reflects a strong commitment to supporting Bermuda’s creatives. We proudly celebrate our 2025 grant awardees and the impactful work they have brought to life this year, which enriches our island and strengthens our cultural identity.”

The spokesperson said, “The following individuals and organisations have been selected for the following grant categories:

• Stewardship and Production Grant: Awarded to Jordan Carey to produce the Loquat Winter Programming. Jordan desires to use this grant to maximize the use of “his retail shop, Loquat, as a venue for artists to showcase their visual arts [Gallery Style], workshops, and performances, which include three musical events [An Evening With Tree Frogs] and one Visual Arts Show.”
• [Instagram: @loquatshop]
• [Website: https://loquatshop.com/]

• Onion Bulb: Presented to Ayana Bean for her creation of The Zaraya B. Series. This grant will assist her with the creation of a children’s Book exploring the Bermudian concepts in a friendly way. “This particular project was created using digital tools, a computer, and a stylus, reflecting my ongoing curiosity and commitment to creative expression in all its forms.”
• [Instagram: @zarayabseries]

• Onion Bulb: Obtained by Alex Andre, who is “A Bermudian Writer/Director whose work is deeply shaped by the island’s culture and storytelling traditions.” This grant will go towards his production of a new project titled The Kazi: Village Rescue – Animated Short Film, “a short film of hope and courage.” This short film explores themes of bravery, geographical exploration, technology, and tribal life.
• [Instagram: @loquatfilms]
• [Website: https://www.loquatfilms.com/]

• BAC Project Grant: Granted to Alyson Thompson, an established Filmmaker who draws near to connecting history to today’s realities and focusing on community and identity. This grant will support Alyson’s dedication to creating “a feature-length documentary that examines decades of civil disturbances in Bermuda, the forces that shaped them, and the effects on our Island today.”
• [Instagram: @alysonspage]
• [Website: https://www.alysonthompson.co.uk/]

“The Bermuda Arts Council remains committed to being a trusted resource for our community, ensuring that our culture, traditions, and stories continue to be shared and celebrated for generations to come.

“To learn more about Bermuda Arts Council Grants, and the 2026 Grant application process please visit www.artscouncil.bm.”

#Artists #BermudaGovernment #GoodNews

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