The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ (NGCI) will be open for a special late night event to celebrate the international travelling exhibition EN MAS’: Carnival and Performance Art of the Caribbean. Led by six dedicated committee members from the Butterfield Young Patrons’ Circle (BYPC) the event boasts “an epic exhibition, expert led tours, great music, and more,” explains Committee Member Mr Rich Dyer.

The NGCI membership programme for young professionals was launched in 2015 as a social networking group for young people, aged between 18 and 35. The programme was not only a first for the Gallery but also for the Cayman Islands. “The National Gallery aims to continually push boundaries and explore new and impactful ways of engaging our community and supporting the future resilience of the Gallery. The Butterfield Young Patrons’ Circle is one way in which we aim to achieve this.” Explains NGCI Communications and Public Engagement Manager, Kaitlyn Elphinstone.

Due in part to the success of the programme Butterfield has recently signed on to become the sole supporter and named partner of the young patron’s circle. Butterfield’s Deputy Managing Director Mr Michael McWatt explains, “this unique programme offers young professionals the opportunity to, not only support the arts in our community but also, develop their corporate links with other professionals and likeminded individuals. Butterfield has been a major sponsor of the National Gallery for many years and we are keen to support innovative initiatives such as the BYPC which focuses on philanthropy amongst the young and future leaders of business in the Cayman Islands.”

“Together Butterfield, the National Gallery and BYPC members ensure that this generation has the opportunities to access the wonders of the arts and culture through inspiring exhibitions, educational programming and engaging events. With Butterfield’s support the Gallery has been able to go from strength to strength fulfilling its mission and providing accessible opportunities for all of our visitors and ultimately creating a space about our community for our community,” adds Ms Elphinstone.

The BYPC special late night event takes place in at the National Gallery 11 March 2016. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the event runs until 10:00 PM. Free guided tours will run every half-hour. Admission is free and refreshments will be available for purchase. Young professionals who are interested in becoming a BYPC member can learn more about the initiative and sign up at the late night event. Some of the benefits of becoming a BYPC member include invitations to members’ preview evenings, member discounts on educational art courses and in the NGCI Gift Shop as well as access to special BYPC social events. For details email [email protected] or call (345) 945 8111.