Kendal Henry, one of the international jurors for the Bacardi Limited 2004 Biennial exhibition of contemporary Bermuda art at the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) is returning to the Island next week to head 'Public Art Week' at the Gallery.

Mr. Henry's visit from June 21-25 will include an evening lecture, a lunchtime lecture, school assemblies, a seminar, and opportunities to make presentations to Government and city committees.

Laura T. Gorham, Director of the BNG, said the week has been arranged to raise awareness of the potential for public art in Bermuda. "Bermuda is on the brink of developing an exciting presence in the international public art community and by making someone with Mr. Henry's vast experience and expertise available, we hope we can provide those involved in the creative and decision-making process with a better understanding of what is required in terms of planning, funding and execution."

St. Lucia-born artist and curator Mr. Henry is manager of the arts programmes for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Arts for Transit in New York City. He manages the MTA's Permanent Art Programme and is responsible for all exhibitions in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall as well as being part of in-house artist teams whose work includes designing a 9/11 memorial at the Cortlandt Street subway station under Ground Zero.

Prior to his present post, Mr. Henry was Project Manager for the Percent for Art programme at New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (honours) degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.

On Tuesday, June 22, Mr. Henry will present the fifth in this season's PartnerRe Lecture Series at the BNG, entitled 'On Public Art'. He will explain how public art can be used as a tool to educate and define a community to locals as well as to visitors, and also discuss how Bermuda can use its natural artistic resources to create a public art programme on par with other major cities.

The 6:00 p.m. lecture will be preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 for BNG members, $10 general admission. Seating is limited. For reservations telephone 295-9428.

On Wednesday, June 23, Mr. Henry will lead a free lunchtime presentation and discussion at the BNG from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. On Thursday, June 24, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., he will give a seminar workshop that will take attendees through the process of creating public art through a dialogue with the audience, discussing the different roles of planners, engineers, architects, designers and artists. Tickets are $10 for BNG members, $20 general admission, and the price includes a light lunch. Space is limited, and anyone wishing to attend must sign up in advance by calling 295-9428.

In addition to these public events, Mr. Henry will make private presentations to the Corporation of Hamilton and Government, and also visit Dellwood, Sandys and Spice Valley middle schools.