CNCF art grant applications open

(CMR) Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has announced the opening of its 2021 art grants which will be awarded in September.

CNCF grant applications are considered annually in March and September and are part of the organization’s mission to facilitate and preserve all forms of artistic expression in Cayman.

Individuals who are resident in the Cayman Islands for at least the preceding 12 months and art groups operating in the Cayman Islands which have a project/activity that will be completed in a set period are eligible to apply.

In the 2021 March Review, the recipients were three first-time authors who applied for grants to assist in the publication of two children’s storybooks and one autobiography, Deborah Beal, Michelle Bryan, and Glenroy L. Bodden, respectively.

“Given that 2020 has been such a difficult year, many of our citizens were able to use their time to hone their craft and produce some amazing work. Though not all was created during the lockdown, it was further refined. Our committee was able to meet when given the all-clear to select the winners this year,” said Morgan DaCosta, Chairman of the Grants Committee.

“Congratulations to these deserving individuals for their valuable contribution to arts and culture in these Cayman Islands. We view it not only as a CNCF mandate but also a privilege to continue to develop our artists,” DaCosta added.

“This CNCF grant will ultimately benefit the Cayman Islands Humane Society by raising awareness of the problem of homeless animals. I’m so appreciative that primary-age students will learn Benjamin’s story. My daughter and I are happy to be able to print “Be Brave Benjamin!” thanks to CNCF,” said Deborah Beal.

Bryan said the grant from CNCF was a blessing and an answer to her prayer.

“I’ve always loved art and storytelling. I’m so grateful to be able to share a Caymanian children’s story based on a true event. Thank you, CNCF,” she said.

“This grant assures me of recognition by CNCF and my fellow Caymanians that my autobiography is an important documentation of my 84 years as a Country and Western musician and artist. Hopefully, it will inspire our youth to aim for the stars!” said Bodden.

CNCF believes it is important to offer artists and culture workers tangible support to help them realize their creative projects, which benefit the community and cultural growth. Cash grants are awarded as follows:

INDIVIDUAL ARTIST

Practical Endeavour: Production of a piece of Theatre, Dance, Music and Song, Literary, Crafts, Culinary, etc.

Award Amount – Maximum $3,000

Arts Research: Quality interrogation of one or more aspects of Caymanian folk traditions, cultural arts, or humanities discipline, leading to the submission of a publish-worthy paper of no less than 5,000 words.

Award Amount – Maximum $3,000

ART GROUPS

Practical Endeavour: Production of a piece of Theatre, Dance, Music and Song, Literary, Crafts, Culinary, etc.

Award Amount – Maximum $6,000

The Grants for the Arts Guidelines and Application Form can be downloaded at www.artscayman.org or collected from the CNCF Office. The deadline for submission of grant applications for the 2021 September Review is Thursday, 15 July.