A few days ago, the first issue of the Bermuda National Gallery’s Annual Report arrived in the mail. It has been a curious and engaging read. As it is an annual report, many will question just how interesting that might be; after all, annual reports are not generally considered all that interesting, unless one has a vested interest in the reporting organisation. Well, I am interested in Bermudian culture, particularly the BNG, so this report is of vital interest to me and should be to anyone who has an interest in the success of Bermuda culture.Now to the report itself: it provides information on such things as the exhibitions held during 2010, the treasurer’s report, future exhibition plans and information on donors to the annual appeal and a list of members etc.The report opens with a welcome from the director, Lisa Howie. In her remarks about the aims of the BNG, she points out the need for an increase in membership. If the BNG is to successfully realise its mission, greater public participation is necessary. Currently, membership is less than five percent of Bermuda’s population. Am I to gather from that, that we Bermudians are not interested in culture? I hardly think that is true, nevertheless, a figure of less than five percent is not all that large. I encourage others, especially those who are regular attendees at the BNG but have let your membership lapse, to renew it. The BNG also offers free guided tours of the galleries for Bermuda’s schools. Parents you might also consider joining and participating in the various BNG programmes with your children.At the back of the report, there is a list of all the paid-up members. I have gone over the list several times and have noted just how few artists are paid members. That is startling, for artists of all people stand to benefit the most from the presence of a National Gallery in our midst. I overheard one artist question why she should become a member of the BNG. After all, she said, I can’t sell through the National Gallery. Although that is true, consider the subsidiary benefits, the presence of a National Gallery gives to the community and especially to artists: the BNG has a mandate to educate, not only children, but also adults. A culturally knowledgeable population can assist the chances of success of local artists, furthermore, artists also gain from the stimulus of encountering artistic ideas and new techniques, that they confront in BNG exhibitions. All artists need the BNG and the BNG needs the support of all artists, including those who are serious art students. Student membership costs only $10.00 annually. A regular membership costs $35 annually. (These fees may be the lowest museum fees on the Island)Think about what Bermuda would be like without a National Gallery. I for one remember all to well. Thirty years ago the local art scene was small, insular and reactionary. To put it bluntly, it was not very stimulating or appealing. By contrast, the local art scene is more vibrant today, more than at any other time in our history and much credit has to go to the presence of Bermuda National Gallery. I encourage all artists to join and the cost of doing so is one of the best benefits in Bermuda.I also note that only a small number of our national leaders are paid members of the National Gallery. If I count correctly, there are only about four. What does that tell me about what they think regarding Bermuda’s culture? The lack of their tangible support speaks volumes. I hope that this observation acts as a prod to those in positions of leadership, to set an example to the rest of us and join the BNG in promoting Bermuda’s cultureFollowing the director’s welcome, there is a letter from the board chairman, Gary L. Phillips, OBE. One good piece of news that he announces, is that the BNG has been successful in its application to the Bermuda National Standards Committee (BNSC). The Bermuda National Gallery is the first local museum to be so certified, starting January 1, 2011.This means that the BNG has met the high standards set out by the BNSC, which also has a memorandum of understanding with the Council on Accreditation in New York. This success indicates that the BNG takes their responsibilities seriously.The treasurer’s report shows that, despite the prolonged economic crisis, the BNG is managing to break even. This is because the BNG management has dramatically cut operating costs, including the reduction of costs for exhibitions and marketing. Overall, expenditure has been reduced by 40 percent. In the last two years, BNG exhibitions have been restricted to local sources, whereas previously, the BNG balanced local exhibitions with occasional exhibitions from overseas. Although it is good to have new, fresh outlooks, as generated by imported exhibitions, it is my observation that over the last two years, the BNG has produced some of its most successful exhibitions ever and all from home grown art or local collections. Still, I hope that this recession will soon be over, so that the BNG can once again consider hosting the occasional overseas exhibition.When it comes to the lack of Government’s support of local Bermuda culture, I would not have you believe that I am singling out the present Government only. Neither the PLP nor the UBP have ever been all that supportive of culture. If we Bermudians had depended on Government support for the establishment of a National Gallery, we would still be waiting. As it is, it was the generosity of the Corporation of Hamilton and donations, primarily from the off-shore business sector, that made it possible for the BNG to open its doors in 1992.If you would like to receive a copy of the BNG Annual Report: Visions of Change, please contact the director, Lisa Howie at 295 9428; director[AT]bng.bm. I know that she’d be delighted to send you a copy.