The winners of the 24th annual National Arts and Culture Awards were announced at a press conference today (19 February). Fifteen individuals, and one company are honoured for their significant contribution to the arts and culture of the Cayman Islands.
Minster for Culture Hon. Dwayne Seymour, Ministry of Culture Chief Office Jennifer Ahearn, and CNCF Artistic Director Henry Muttoo were all on hand to name the winners.
The winners are:
• Jessica Eden - Heritage Cross Award (Gold)
• Steve McField - Heritage Cross Award (Gold)
• Jean-Eric “Notch” Smith - Heritage Cross Award (Gold)
• Morgan DaCosta - Heritage Cross Award (Gold)
• Susan Howe - Star for Creativity (Gold)
• Peter Kosa - Star for Creativity (Gold)
• Marcia Muttoo - Star for Creativity (Gold)
• Charles Long - Star for Creativity (Gold)
• Miguel Powery - Star for Creativity (Gold)
• Maureen Anderson Berry - Star for Creativity (Gold) *Posthumous
• Gordon Solomon – Star for Creativity (Gold)
• Aston Ebanks – Star for Creativity (Silver)
• Kerri-Anne Chisholm – Star for Creativity (Certificate)
• Sponsor of the Year – Greenlight RE
• Chairman’s Award – Mary Ann Kosa
“The level of talent that exists on our island never ceases to amaze me” commented Minister Seymour. “Throughout history art and culture has been used to share the story of a people. I’m so pleased that we have this vehicle to honour those who are telling the story of our people.” During the press conference past recipients Horacio Esteban (Star for Creativity Gold & 2017 Visionary Award), and Anita Ebanks (Heritage Cross Gold) share their perspective on the significance this award hold for the recipients. Mrs. Ebanks noted that awards allows a society an opportunity to celebrate creators of the art we appreciate, and that it acts as the social justification for supporting the arts. Mr Esteban added that “the greatest thing we can do as human beings is honour our peers.”
Before announcing the winners of this year’s award Mr. Muttoo reflected on the significance of the Arts and Culture Awards. “This is about all of us and not being afraid to say we, and our art, are important.”
Recipients will receive their awards at the Arts and Culture Award Ceremony on Thursday 22 February, at the Harquail Theatre. The winner of the Volunteer of the Year award will be announced on the night of the ceremony. The nominees are Sandra Watler, Tafari Alleyne and Joseph Domingo.
The awards scheme, which began in 1990, recognises artists who have attained a high level of merit in their artistic discipline, individuals who contribute to the preservation of the Caymanian culture, as well as individuals and companies who support the work of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF). Nominations are submitted by the public, then reviewed and selected by the CNCF Grants and Award Committee.
The ceremony also serves as the kick-off event for Cayfest. Cayfest, the Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts, showcases the artistic talents and cultural diversity of the Cayman community. Other events plans for Cayfest include Dress for Culture Day (Friday 23 February) and Red Sky at Night (Saturday 3 March).