National Gallery recognised for educational initiative
(L-R) Chamber of Commerce president Kyle Broadhurst; and Aleisha Lalor, of award sponsor Caribbean Alliance Insurance; with Natalie Urquhart and Tanya Whiteside of the National Gallery
(CNS Local Life): The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) has received an award for commitment to education for its Creative Careers programme, presented at the recent Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards celebrating outstanding achievements in business in the Cayman Islands. More than 40 members applied in the eight categories, with two awards going to each group.
The Commitment to Education award recognises businesses that have developed effective strategies to improve opportunities and support for youth in the Cayman Islands, stated an NGCI press release. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman was the first to receive an award in this category, followed by the National Gallery, which took home the second prize.
The Creative Careers programme introduces young Caymanians to careers in the creative industries, offering students comprehensive support in achieving their goals. Its wide variety of components include mentorship, the NGCI Visual Arts Award for high school graduates, work experience placements, paid internships, the Ed & Barbara Oliver Scholarship for art workshops, and a biennial undergraduate visual art scholarship.
In the past 18 months, 37 students have directly benefited from the Creative Careers programme. “These are exciting times for those of us who have a strong desire to preserve our culture and heritage through the arts while embracing our future,” said NGCI education officer Jessica Ebanks.
“Through the programme students are able to develop their talents, reach their potential, and in doing, enhance the community in which we live and work. I think the whole National Gallery team are really honoured to receive this award.”
NGCI director Natalie Urquhart accepted the award in the ceremony held 14 October, at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. “The creative arts sector is burgeoning,” she said, adding, “For more than a decade now the National Gallery’s Creative Careers programme has provided a critical stepping stone in developing a creative industry where students from all backgrounds are able to pursue a career in the arts.”
