National Gallery unveils new arts initiative
(CNS Local Life): The National Gallery is today (24 January) launching its Bright Stars initiative which offers weekly art classes for youth and adults with special needs. The programme is designed for both school groups and home-schoolers to participate in hands-on art classes, where they will learn about creative techniques within the context of culturally relevant topics in the Cayman Islands.
Law firm Mourant, which has long supported the Lighthouse School, is sponsoring the new initiative, said a press release.
NGCI director Natalie Urquhart spoke of the programme’s importance. “NGCI is tasked with encouraging the appreciation and practice of the visual arts, of and in the Cayman Islands and this mission applies to everyone in our diverse community. This outreach programme provides a safe and accessible way for students with special needs to visit us and participate in themed classes about our current exhibitions in an educational and culturally relevant environment.”
She added the gallery was “incredibly grateful to Mourant” for their support and their “commitment to this cornerstone programme of NGCI outreach capabilities”.
The programme not only helps ensure NGCI reaches as many facets of the community as possible, stated the press release, but “it also provides participants personalised access to NGCI exhibitions and the visual art and cultural story of the Cayman Islands in an authentic way and under the guidance of an experienced instructor”.
The initiative is designed to encourage creativity and self-confidence through practical arts projects, the release said, adding that working on individual projects supports increased self-efficacy and a sense of achievement, which is enhanced by the end-of-year exhibition of student artwork in NGCI’s Community Gallery.
Hayden Isbister, managing partner of Mourant’s Cayman office, said of the firm’s sponsorship: “We’re really excited about the launch of the Mourant Bright Stars art programme with the National Gallery. These creative and practical arts projects provide the most vulnerable young people with an opportunity to gain confidence, self-awareness and a real sense of achievement in a safe space.
“It’s an extremely important community initiative which aligns with our values as a firm, and our unrelenting focus on promoting education, health and wellbeing in the communities in which we live and work.”
For more information on the programme or to arrange for a student to attend, call 945-8111 or email NGCI
So proud of you Gabriela (Hanna). I know that your dad would be proud, too, as we all are of you. And congrats to all the other students and for those involved in giving the young people an opportunity to do something with their creativity and talents!