The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ (NGCI) latest exhibition series, curated by Natalie Urquhart and sponsored by Butterfield, celebrates Cayman’s maritime identity – past present and future. Seeking to engage visitors and members of the public with the story of maritime heritage and national identity, the ambitious three-month exhibition series and programme of events runs from 20 January 2017 to 20 April 2017.

NGCI welcomed over 220 guests to a Members’ Preview evening held 19 January 2017 at the National Gallery. Members and their guests were the first to view two new maritime exhibitions; Saltwater in Their Veins – honouring the maritime heritage of the Cayman Islands, and Upon the Seas – a contemporary exploration of Cayman’s evolving relationship with the ocean. These two exhibitions boast works by 30 artists, paying tribute to the men who went to sea and exploring Cayman’s evolving relationship with the ocean.

The three-month long celebration of maritime culture marks the beginning of the National Gallery’s 20^th anniversary campaign. NGCI Director and Curator Natalie Urquhart notes, “As islanders, our national identity is intrinsically tied to the surrounding ocean and these exhibitions, and the featured artists, explore this evolving relationship, honouring our history while critical engaging with how the future may be shaped. It is fitting that we launch such an important year in the history of the National Gallery with a reflection on this aspect of our cultural heritage and look forward to hosting a series of community discussions and events as part of the exciting programming schedule.”

“Butterfield is pleased to support the Gallery’s latest exhibition which focuses on society’s relationship with the ocean,” commented Michael McWatt, Managing Director, Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited. “As an organisation that is based primarily in island locations, the Butterfield Group focuses a good deal of its charitable giving on protecting island environments; the ocean being the most significant beneficiary.”

Public Engagement

The exhibition series is being held in conjunction with the Cayman Islands Seafarers Association, the Cayman Catboat Club, the Cayman Islands National Museum, and the Cayman Islands National Archive (CINA) and has been made possible through the generous support of Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Ltd.

Featuring a range of programmes and events, the programme aims to encourage the community to actively engage with the maritime culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands. The programme of events includes family fun days, film screenings, lectures, site visits, art workshops and an extensive school tours programme. Education initiatives will also include a community outreach programme where NGCI educators will visit school aged children throughout the districts to discuss maritime heritage and culture and work on creative maritime themed art projects.