Kamilah Cannonier, the Bermuda National Gallery and the Corporation of Hamilton have been announced as the recipients of this year’s Culture Legacy Fund, with $20,000 in grants given by the Bermuda Government.

The presentation was made today by Culture Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin who noted that the fund demonstrated the Government’s commitment to the development, promotion and support of culture and the arts on the Island.

Ms Cannonier’s $12,000 grant is aimed at assisting her in the production of a series on Bermudian cuisine entitled Tastes Well. This series will be posted on YouTube.

The Bermuda National Gallery, which has been awarded $5,000, has been recognised for its Youth Camera Action programme. The desire is that this initiative be offered free of charge to public middle school students for three terms. Funding support of $3,000 is also being given to the Corporation of Hamilton to assist with its Walk of Fame project, which includes the installation of plaques of our national heroes.

“The original and continuing intent of this initiative is for Government to provide tangible support for projects that promote, sustain, celebrate and educate the public about our cultural heritage and the arts,” Ms Pamplin-Gordon said. “Government recognises that it has a major role to play in the preservation, promotion and celebration of Bermuda’s culture, folklife and heritage.

“In the 2014 Speech from the Throne, your Government acknowledged the value and the importance of culture and the arts, and committed to the introduction of a National Cultural Heritage Policy which would ‘promote understanding and appreciation of the Island’s rich and diverse heritage’.”

The Culture Minister added that the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs is consulting with internal and external stakeholders with regard to this policy. “The continued support of the Cultural Legacy Fund is an important mechanism through which Government endeavours to sustain our cultural heritage,” she said.

The Cultural Legacy Fund was established in 2009 during Bermuda’s celebration of its 400th anniversary of continuous habitation. “Our culture, folklife, traditions and our heritage define us as a people,” Ms Gordon-Pamplin added. “They engender a sense of identity, pride and love for who we are; they are entrenched in the spirit of our people. As a small island community, we must strive to protect and preserve our unique culture and heritage.

“At the same time, it is vital that we share our culture and heritage with the world in the form of cultural tourism, and take advantage of opportunities afforded by advancements in technology, such as social media.

“It is my belief that the creators — the artists, writers, historians, musicians, actors and actresses and all in the entertainment industry, as well as our tradition bearers, folklorists — must be encouraged to continue their work and must also be acknowledged for the very significant role that they play.”