Azores,'' opens at the Bermuda National Gallery tomorrow.

The show will pave the way for leading Bermudian artists to show their works in the Azores as part of a reciprocal arrangement to strengthen cultural ties.

Organisers say the collection is the most comprehensive exhibition of Azorean art ever assembled for a show outside of the Portuguese islands.

The BNG has spent more than two years organising the exhibition, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of Portuguese, mainly Azorean, settlement on the Island.

Dr Charles Zuill, a trustee of the Gallery, has been liaising with the Carlos Machado Museum in Ponta Delgado, San Miguel, in the Azores to arrange the show.

Preliminary talks have started to have Bermudian artists to exhibit at the Carlos Machado Museum.

The exhibition of works by more than 30 Azorean artists, sculptors, photographers and video-makers will be opened by Premier Jennifer Smith tomorrow. It continues to February.

As well as famous works by early 20th century Azorean artists, such as "The Emigrants'' by Domingos Rebelo, the exhibition features striking contemporary works by young artists.

BNG director Laura Gorham said: "This is the most significant exhibition the National Gallery has ever put on.

"The 150th anniversary of Portuguese settlement on the Island is on November 4, so the timing was very good, and this is our contribution to the celebrations.'' Gallery scores Azores exhibit Bermudian artist and sculptor Paul Doughty, a third generation Portuguese involved in bringing the exhibition to the Island, said: "Bermudians do not know that culturally the Azores are older than us, but we tend to think Portuguese are all gardeners or farmers.

"We felt it was important to bring this show to Bermuda so that they can see there is a very healthy artistic community in the Azores with a very strong connection to the older cities of Europe.

"We are now in a position to have closer cultural ties. Until now, people have been coming to Bermuda from the Azores but now we have a different kind of cultural link between museum and museum.

"They would like Bermudian artists to go over there, and Bermudians who were totally unaware of the Azores might be stimulated to think about going to the Azores.

"It might also instil pride in the Bermudian Portuguese community when they see such quality scupltures and works of art from the Azores.'' Dr Antonio Oliveira, the director of the Carlos Machado Museum, said: "It is very important for us to have the opportunity to have the works of more than 30 artists together.

"It is the first time we have organised a big exhibition outside the Azores and it is a strong exhibition because each of them are linked but they have their own way of thinking and seeing the world.''