Monthly News: September 2023

Back-to-School Art Adventures with The National Gallery!

As the school bells ring and the excitement of a new academic year fills the air, one of the best ways to supplement the spirit of learning is through the captivating world of art and culture. The National Gallery invites students, educators, and art enthusiasts of all ages to embark on an inspiring journey that seamlessly integrates core educational goals with creativity.

Our doors are wide open to all learners and educators, offering free guided tours led by our knowledgeable NGCI Staff. Your curriculum could find a perfect partner in our tours as our team emphasises exploring Caymanian culture and heritage through the work of local creatives. The NGCI education department also offers studio art sessions for a nominal fee, so students can explore the process of creating in a focused setting.

We can also bring art education straight to your classroom with our flexible ‘Art on the Road’ programme, kindly sponsored by Rawlinson and Hunter. Our staff and artists visit your classrooms, crafting immersive learning experiences tied to chosen themes which suit your needs. It’s an artistic adventure that comes to you, bridging gaps of accessibility and ensuring local youth have a chance to participate in discussions surrounding their heritage.

Financial assistance is available for those in need, ensuring that every student can immerse themselves in the world of art and culture. For more information on education programming through the National Gallery that could serve your needs, email [email protected].

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What’s On: Exhibitions & Collections

3rd Biennial Lunchtime Tour6 SeptemberFree tours of the 3rd Cayman Islands Biennial: Conversation with the Past – In the Present Tense, led by National Gallery curators. Learn the curatorial rationale behind the exhibition, explore individual works and connect with like-minded guests.Book here.

Conversation Circle: Nurse Leila’s8 September, 5:30-7:30PMJoin the National Gallery for an intimate round-circle discussion hosted at the enduring home of accomplished Caymanian nurse, Leila Yates. Learn about the history and stories of this iconic space and engage in community dialogue surrounding its significance as a site of cultural memory in a contemporary biennial context.Learn More.

Open call for ‘Icons of the Brac’ 15 September submission deadlineThe National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is currently developing a Sister Islands exhibition project of photography capturing the rich cultural heritage of Cayman Brac. Submissions welcome from the public.Learn more here.

Caribbean Film Screening: Gram Bella’s 29 September, 7:00-9:00PMIndulge in a feast of short films produced by Cayman and Caribbean film makers. Gram Bella’s is located in North Side just down the street from Chisholm’s Grocery Store Book here.

What’s On: Education

Bodden Town Library Art Drop-In2 September, 10:30AM – 11:30PMJoin instructor Monica Powery as the National Gallery brings art into your local community at the Bodden Town Public Library. The session is a free morning art workshop for children, and materials will be provided.

Walkers Art Club Online ExhibitionAvailable online 11 SeptemberReturning with a bang and substantial growth in participation post-lockdown, the 2022-23 run of the Walkers Art Club brought life to the gallery studio space and created a body of work once again informed by in-person visits engaging with local art. We hope you’ll enjoy viewing the exhibition as much as the club members did producing it! Click here to view.

North Side Library Art Drop-In30 September, 2:30-3:30PM Led by instructor Gianna Whittaker, the National Gallery will be hosting an art work shop at the North Side Public Library. The session is a free afternoon art workshop for children, and materials will be provided to suit the activity of the day.

News & Special Features

Sponsor Highlight: Walkers

We extend our sincere gratitude to Rawlinson & Hunter for their generous sponsorship of our “Art on the Road” programme. Their support is instrumental in bringing the enriching world of art and culture directly to the classrooms of our local youth. Through their generosity, we managed to host a dozen art sessions throughout the 2022-23 academic year. Thanks to the support provided by Rawlinson & Hunter’s generous sponsorship, the gallery education team is able to extend the dialogue around the importance of culture, heritage and the arts outside the gallery space into our community. We look forward to kicking off another year of this exciting programme!

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