The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) presented grants to help several local organisations and individual artists pursue their work.

The monetary awards, in the range of up to CI$1000 for individuals or CI$3000 for organisations, are presented twice a year, in November and May. The November awardees met with CNCF representatives at the Harquail theatre to receive their cheques.

Professor Chip Powell received a grant on behalf of the Cayman Islands National Wind Ensemble, particularly for the groundbreaking work he was doing with spectacular Cayman Islands Marching Band, winners of the top prize in the recent Cayman’s Got Talent event. Prof. Powell said, “The grant is CI$1500 per semester. We will use the money to keep up the equipment, and are still purchasing uniforms. The band are getting ready to perform at Art@Governors, the Heroes Day Celebration, and for the National Agricultural Fair.

Dancer Jessica Eden received two grants, one towards the work of local dance group Dance Unlimited, which she manages, and another grant that went towards helping her meet the costs of the dance education course she is doing.

George Town Primary School received a grant towards their new performing arts programme, although there were no representatives from the school present to receive the cheque in person.

Another absent awardee was artist Rachelle Rivers, who was given a grant to help with art materials.

Randy Chollette, who is also known in Cayman as an established oil paint artist, was awarded a grant for one of his other artistic achievements- drumming. Mr. Chollette, who plays drums in a locally based drumming group, said the money would go towards tuition costs attached to learning more about drumming techniques, especially Cuban-style drumming. Timali Ebanks received a grant for a children’s book she had published.

(Photo by: Christopher Tobutt)