Local foundation IAMCO has awarded a financial grant to Caymanian student Kerri-Anne Chisholm to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. The grant will be administered by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands through their Creative Careers Programme.
The IAMCO grant will fully fund Ms Chisholm’s participation in a twelve month Master’s degree programme in Museums, Galleries and Contemporary Culture at the University of Westminster, which she began in September 2014. The course looks at the way that museums, galleries and other cultural institutions are changing to meet the needs of the 21st century. The MA is designed for students who wish to work in the cultural industries and Ms Chisholm will work closely with institutions such as Tate Britain and the Museum of London as well as top professionals in the sector giving her an invaluable understanding and set of skills that will undoubtedly benefit the Cayman Islands upon her return.
Ms Chisholm grew up surrounded by art, with her father talented in woodcarving and metal design and her mother certified in fashion design, and has a long standing history with the National Gallery. In 2008 while Ms Chisholm was in high school she took part in the National Gallery’s work experience programme before being awarded the 2009/10 Deutsche Bank Internship at the National Gallery; in August of 2011 Ms Chisholm participated in the Gallery’s artist-in-residence programme and exhibition A Day in the Life IV alongside artists Wray Banker and Nasaria Suckoo-Chollette. In 2012 Ms Chisholm was awarded the National Gallery’s Deutsche Bank Scholarship and completed her undergraduate degree at Oxford Brooks University in the United Kingdom in 2012, receiving an impressive 2.1. This past summer Ms Chisholm worked as the assistant curator for the popular photographic exhibition Ivan Remembered, held by the Gallery to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Ivan.
After completing her master’s degree Ms Chisholm plans to return to the Cayman Islands and embark on her professional career in the arts at the National Gallery, and her new expertise will certainly contribute to the NGCI’s mission to preserve, promote and develop the arts in the Cayman Islands. She comments, “I am honoured by this investment and the confidence IAMCO has placed in my future. It is a privilege to be able to focus on my studies without added financial worry.”
IAMCO was founded in 2003 by Mrs Susan A. Olde, OBE in Grand Cayman to assist with the alleviation of poverty in the Caribbean region, through the provision of the basic needs of food, water, shelter and educational opportunities. The foundation has supported scholarships for several Caymanian students as well as funding many community endeavours in the Cayman Islands. Wendy Ann George from IAMCO comments, “IAMCO is happy to collaborate with the National Gallery to provide funding for Ms Chisholm as she continues to pursue her studies at the master’s level. Upon completion of her studies she will return to work for the National Gallery.” Ms Chisholm adds, “I am excited to be returning to work within such a vibrant and culturally aware institution. I look forward to developing the skills I have learned over the last four years of studying, as well as additional skills I am sure I will learn while under employment at the NGCI.”
IAMCO’s financial grant towards Ms Chisholm’s studies, supports the National Gallery’s long-term commitment to helping provide training and career opportunities for young creative Caymanians. This is realised by way of the NGCI’s Creative Careers Programme, which offers work experience opportunities, career advice, and summer internships. The programme includes the Deutsche Bank Visual Arts Scholarship for undergraduate students, which currently funds four Caymanian undergraduate art students; and the annual Deutsche Bank National Gallery Internship, which provides successful applicants with a paid position and an invaluable twelve month experience that will support their future career in the arts.
“We are delighted to work with IAMCO to support Kerri-Anne at the postgraduate level, and congratulate her on her worthy endeavour,” says Natalie Urquhart, NGCI Director. “Since our inception the National Gallery has been committed to supporting training and career development opportunities for young people in the Cayman Islands and it is vital that we work to assist creative students who wish to further their education, develop their talents, reach their potential, and in so doing, enhance the community in which we live and work. We commend IAMCO for sharing this vision.”
For more information about work experience and scholarship opportunities at the National Gallery, [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.
Word Count: 765

Photo Caption: Mrs Susan A. Olde, OBE presents Ms Kerri-Anne Chisholm with financial grant towards her postgraduate studies at the University of Westminster.