The show must go on, they say. The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) is finding ways to make sure that is exactly what happens with its annual celebration, Cayfest, which will creatively work around the current COVID-19 restrictions. 

Cayfest 2022 officially kicks off this month with activities and experiences in person, online and on-air. In addition to the 28th annual National Arts & Culture Awards ceremony on Thursday, 17 February, a month-long Red Sky Marketplace experience (online and at the Harquail) and Dress For Culture Day on Friday, 11 March, there will be daily cultural broadcasts on CIGTV and other platforms. 

RED SKY MARKETPLACE

The main adjustment that has been made to the Cayfest calendar affects the popular Red Sky At Night multi-cultural arts fair. The event will move to an online experience that highlights the talented artists and artisans in the community and gives them an opportunity to sell their products via online promotion.  

Dubbed Red Sky Marketplace, CNCF will promote local artists and their work/crafts on its Instagram and Facebook pages (@CaymanCulture) for patrons to see what is available for sale.  Customers who make purchases directly with the artists can then collect their items at the Harquail Theatre on Friday, 25 February (5pm-8pm) or Saturday, 26 February (10am-1pm) and view other artists’ products.  Social distancing, gathering and mask protocols will be enforced. 

“Two years in, and the pandemic continues to impact the livelihoods of Cayman’s artists and entertainers. For the artists and artisans in particular, Red Sky At Night has always been an unique and effective outlet for them to showcase their work to a large audience and make some money. We are disappointed that we are unable to provide that opportunity for them this year but we’re hoping that Red Sky Marketplace will prove to be beneficial for them and that a wider market and potential customer base will be exposed to their work and talent,” said Marcia Muttoo, CNCF Managing Director.

Music, dance and theatre are also important elements of the customary Red Sky At Night programming and CNCF will be supporting the usual vibrant line-up of local artists by hosting a concert at the Harquail Theatre, which will be recorded and aired on CIGTV and the CNCF YouTube channel.  Due to gathering restrictions, the live event will be limited to a small audience; interested persons can purchase tickets for $25 on a first come-first served basis.  The date of the event and artists scheduled to perform will be posted on CNCF’s social media channels. 

NATIONAL ARTS & CULTURE AWARDS – Thursday, 17 February 

The National Arts & Culture Awards gala takes place at the Harquail Theatre and is an invitation-only event due to COVID restrictions on gatherings.  The ceremony recognises those who have contributed to the arts, culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands, attained a level of merit in their artistic discipline and/or supported the work of CNCF. The award categories are the Gold, Silver and Bronze Heritage Cross, the Gold, Silver and Bronze Stars for Creativity, the Chairman’s Award and the Outstanding Volunteer Award.  There are 12 awardees being feted this year with Charles Long and Donna Bryan receiving top honours with the Gold Heritage Cross and Bendel Hydes being awarded the prestigious Visionary Award.