The Bermuda Arts Council has awarded $20,000 in grants to three Bermudians pursuing the arts.

A spokeswoman said awardees this year were “committed to developing their craft and contributing to Bermuda’s cultural landscape”.

Nicole Smith, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with honours in creative direction and curation for fashion at Nottingham Trent University, received a $10,000 grant.

The spokeswoman said: “A Bermuda College graduate with distinction and President’s List honours, Nicole’s portfolio demonstrates a passion for sustainability, fashion and creative innovation.

“In her personal statement, Nicole reflected on her dream of ‘using art as a means to inspire sustainable change,’ noting that her studies will allow her to combine creativity with advocacy for environmental and social issues.”

Daisy Mapes Gould received a $5,000 grant to pursue a PhD in the history of art from the Courtauld Institute in the UK.

The spokeswoman said: “Daisy’s extensive professional experience includes curatorial work with the Serpentine Gallery, Tate Britain and Turner Contemporary.

“Her MA dissertation at Goldsmiths was shortlisted for the Association for Art History’s postgraduate dissertation prize and she is now curating a major exhibition on Bermudian sculptor Bill Ming at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.”

Ms Gould’s written statement read: “We are at a pivotal moment in Bermudian art and cultural history, one that demands research and documentation to cement this period of transformation within our cultural canon.”

Keimya Rayne Smith, recently graduated from The Berkeley Institute, also received a $5,000 BAC grant to support her pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performing arts from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.

Ms Smith has worked with Troika and United Dance Productions and studied with coaches such as Joy Barnum and Tsilala Brock.

Her submission read: “After completing my studies, my goal is to eventually return home and share what I’ve learnt.

“I plan to teach community classes in dance, singing and acting, making the arts more accessible to young Bermudians regardless of their financial background.”

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said: “Funding arts education is an investment in Bermuda’s future.

“The creativity, discipline and confidence that come from artistic study strengthen every part of our society.

“I’m proud that through the Bermuda Arts Council, we continue to support the next generation of Bermudian artists who will tell our stories and shape our cultural legacy.”

Shanna Hollis, BAC chairwoman, said the awardees “each demonstrate a strong voice, clear vision and aspiration towards contributing to the future of our island.”

She added: “It is important to recognise and nurture the creative talent on our island as it ensures the safety of our culture, traditions, values and stories.”

Visit artscouncil.bm to learn more about BAC and its grants.