In 2009, Bermuda will mark the 400th anniversary of the wreck of the Sea Venture and the beginning of habitation, and the Bermuda Festival is anxious to celebrate the occasion by including as much professional Bermuda talent as possible in its annual cultural line-up.

"1609 marked the wreck of the 'Sea Venture' and the start of permanent habitation in Bermuda, so we thought it would be fitting to celebrate the profusion of talent that has emanated from this small community," artistic director Karen Pollard said.

As a first step, the Festival is calling upon all Bermudian artists, wherever they may be, to submit proposals for consideration.

"Bermuda has always boasted an extraordinarily high standard of amateur performance in all disciplines, and many Bermudians have successfully launched themselves into professional careers in the arts. In the past we have welcomed participation by such Bermudian artists as Kenneth Amis, Sophie Cannonier, Diana Douglas, Mandy Wong and Joel Froomkin, amongst many others," Mrs. Pollard said. "With that in mind, it is hoped that all Bermudian professional performers, both here and abroad, will submit proposals for consideration for the 2009 Bermuda Festival."

The aim is to showcase as much Bermuda talent as possible, in every discipline, without compromising the legendary high standard of performance which is expected of the event, and the Festival hopes to include burgeoning Bermudian talent as well as established artists.

There will be opportunities for chamber musicians, actors, dancers, singers, poets, comedians, pop, rock, reggae, jazz artists and more to submit proposals for consideration. The final selection will be made by the Festival, and the Bermudian acts will be interwoven with a selection of international artists.

"It should be noted that it is not necessary for all the performers in any one group to be Bermudian," Mrs. Pollard said. "Proposals can comprise all Bermudians, or include a Bermudian as director, musician, dancer, etc. For example, a Bermudian singer does not necessarily have to have an all-Bermudian backup; a Bermudian director does not have to have an all-Bermudian cast in his play, and so forth. Also, Bermudians living abroad are encouraged to collaborate on proposals with other Bermudians living and working locally."

All proposals should be accompanied by an estimated budget, and the Festival is likely to be able to provide economy class airfares and a performance fee.

"It is assumed that Bermudian performers will be able to stay with family members, and it is hoped that they may be able to offer accommodation to accompanying artists as well — depending on the size of the group, of course," Mrs. Pollard said. "However, the proposal should include details of the number of people in the group, with a separate account of the number of people who would require hotel accommodation."

The Bermuda Festival is also planning to present a community opera, similar to its 2001 production of 'Carmen', in which local amateur performers will participate alongside professionals.

The first step is for all Bermudians to be added to the Festival's data base, so full packages of information, including application forms, have been mailed out to those who have responded to newspaper advertising, and more are available by e-mailing bdafest@logic.bm, or by telephoning Mrs. Pollard at the Festival office (441)-295-1291. Once completed, they should be returned, preferably by e-mail, to bdafest@logic.bm together with a full CV, including performer's photo, reviews, recordings, and details of technicians who would be available on Island for six weeks or so to participate in the production.

"The Festival is keen to build up a database of Bermudian professional performers, so it is hoped that all Bermudian performers will respond, and at least send in their contact details. Doing so, however, will constitute no commitment from them or from the Festival," Mrs. Pollard said.

The 2009 Bermuda Festival will take place from mid-January until the end of February, and the deadline for proposals is June 30, 2007.

[bul] For further information Mrs. Pollard can be contacted as follows: e-mail: bdafest@logic.bm [tel] 1-441-295-1291, fax 1-441-295-7403.