Members of the island’s arts community have been given more than $23,000 to expand Bermuda’s cultural sphere.

The Bermuda Arts Council announced the first nine winners of its 2026 grants, who received between $5,000 and $1,000.

Shanna Hollis, the council chairwoman, said the group was “proud to support a remarkable group of artists and organisations whose projects demonstrate creativity, innovation and a commitment to enriching our community”.

“This round of awardees reflects the diversity of talent that exists across Bermuda’s artistic sector.

“We are excited to see these projects come to life and contribute to the continued growth and development of the arts in Bermuda.”

Yusef Bushara received the $5,000 Project Grant for his piece Isolated Winds, a multimedia exhibition uniting four Bermudian and Sudanese artists.

Artists explored themes of global solidarity, cultural exchange and belonging, which will be presented in London.

Chewstick also received $5,000 through the Organisational Grant for the creation of a community mural at Devonshire Recreation Club.

The mural will honour the club’s role as an historic community space and its significance during the 1965 Belco Crisis.

Author Karen Franks received $3,000 through the Stewardship and Production Grant to continue her development of educational children’s media.

Ms Franks created the children’s book series Abigail’s Dream Adventure and most recently released Colourful Little Cricketers, a children’s book and digital television series that used cricket to promote positive values and global understanding.

Troy Washington was given $2,500 through the Professional Development Grant, which is expected to go towards percussion and recording equipment, as well as his No Limits Music School Legacy Programme.

The programme offers education, mentorship, training and performance opportunities for young musicians.

Lara Hetzel received the Education and Experience Grant of $2,000 to attend the Paccin Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

The conference focuses on art and artefact preservation and will offer Ms Hetzel specialised training and international networking opportunities.

Ahmed-Yassine Abdellah Chentouf and Nadiyah Brown were each given the $2,000 Materials and Equipment Grant.

Mr Chentouf will use the cash to further the next instalment of Super Summer, a programme combining art, culture, education and personal growth.

Meanwhile, Mr Brown is expected to use the grant in her analogue photography practice, with funds going towards equipment, repairs and materials.

Devray Denwiddie and Zachary Wilson each received the $1,000 Onion Bulb Grant.

Mr Denwiddie is expected to apply it to the creation of art pieces across several mediums, including wearable art.

Meanwhile, Mr Wilson will use the money for Solara Unplugged, a live music programme with the Lumina Festival to support Bermudian culture and creativity.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, congratulated the grant recipients.

He said: “Through the Bermuda Arts Council grant programme, we continue to invest in projects that preserve our heritage, inspire innovation, strengthen community connections and contribute to the growth of Bermuda’s cultural identity.”