The Bermuda Arts Council has awarded almost $13,000 in grants to six Bermudians pursuing various projects.

A spokeswoman said the BAC grant recipients for the second quarter of 2026 reflect “a diverse range of disciplines and stages of creative development, showcasing the depth of talent within Bermuda’s arts community”.

She added: “These grants aim to empower creatives in delivering meaningful projects that enhance the island’s cultural landscape.”

Stephan Johnstone, a poet, writer and film-maker, whose music video Thoughts celebrates Bermudian storytelling and culture, was awarded the BAC’s $3,900 Project Grant.

The BAC awarded two Stewardship and Production Grants, each worth $3,000, to educator and activist Giavonna Dupree and Kali Bean, of Bellydance Bermuda.

Ms Dupree’s book, Truth in Time, Stories in Rhyme: The Bermuda Theatre Boycott, explores the historic protests, and Bellydance Bermuda is developing a production featuring folkloric, classical and contemporary dance styles.

Visual artist Nhuri Bashir, writer and actor Sion Symonds and Sarah Vallis, who is studying Critical Studies at the Sandberg Institute in Amsterdam, all received the Council’s $1,000 Onion Bulb Grant.

Mr Bashir’s work explores cultural symbolism and identity and his mural celebrates the Bailey’s Bay community.

Mr Symonds’s theatrical performance, Babylon Cya Stop We Music, touches on themes such as Afro-Caribbean politics, Blackness and feminism.

Ms Vallis’s conceptual art project, In Anticipation, explores taping windows before a hurricanes as a physical and psychological form of preparation.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said: “Bermuda’s artists and cultural practitioners play an important role in how we express, preserve and share who we are.

“Through the Bermuda Arts Council’s grant programme, we are providing meaningful support to creatives as they develop new work, engage our communities and bring Bermuda’s stories to life.

“I congratulate the second quarter of awardees and look forward to seeing the impact of their work across our cultural landscape.”

Shanna Hollis, BAC chairwoman, said: “These grants reflect the strength and diversity of Bermuda’s creative community.

“We are proud to support artists whose work preserves our heritage, sparks important conversations and brings new creative perspectives to our island.”

• Visitartscouncil.bm to learn more about the BAC and its grants