Recent movement in the United Kingdom's House of Lords to pass a bill extending to citizens of overseas dependent territories the right to British citizenship is expected to have a "validating" effect on Bermudian culture, and therefore Bermudian art, predict members of Bermuda's art community.

Yet, though the bill will be taken advantage of should it be passed, a mass, permanent exodus of artists away from the Island to the UK and Europe does not seem to be in the cards, according to the sentiments of the actors and poets who spoke with The Royal Gazette recently.

The British Overseas Territories Bill will enable the citizens of dependent territories to work within Europe as British citizens, a right which was removed in 1981 when the British Nationality Act was passed.

Commented actor and poet Andra Simmons, regarding the opportunity for Bermudian artists to live and work in Europe, "It is my personal belief that an artist grows quickly in spaces that are unfamiliar . . . because that's when you learn about yourself, when you are challenged.

"For theatre," he continued, "I would go to the UK and explore avenues there because of the vast numbers . . . I want the opportunity to be challenged by acting opposite people for who this is their life and profession - the same goes for poetry as well. It's when I'm away from the Island actually that I write best about the Island.

"I will take advantage of it, definitely," he added.

Alan Smith, another actor and poet agreed with Mr. Simmons. "I think it would be a great opportunity to further one's education," he commented, saying that he is considering studying English literature in the England.

"Also certainly for theatre and film, I think there are probably better opportunities (in the UK) than say in the US, where so often they are looking for a particular `look' - in England you don't necessarily need a particular look, it is much more open," Mr. Smith added.

"I mean, Bermudian people are beautiful anyway, but still. Even for musicians it is a great opportunity."

However, said Mr. Smith, "For now, I am (staying in Bermuda) but right now I am concentrating on writing and I think it's a great place to write. . . leaving Bermuda completely? I don't know, I love it here."

Like poet and writer Kim Dismount Robinson, Mr. Smith was of the opinion that a sabbatical of sorts living away could only be beneficial, however he would always return home.

"I am one of the few Bermudians I know who actually really really loves the place," said Ms Robinson. However, "I very much appreciate the idea of having options. It surely couldn't hurt to have the opportunity to do a couple of months sabbatical."

Ms Robinson also agreed with Mr. Smith that viewing Bermudian culture from afar, in the midst of another culture, only results in a validation and greater appreciation for the home culture. "We only really become aware of our home culture when we go away from it," said Mr. Smith.

Apart from validating our culture, said Ms Robinson, "In terms of the art community it would be primarily a positive thing because it will give Bermudian artists some exposure abroad and also creates a larger audience for their work.

"The only question that might come up . . . is if the doors sort of open both ways (allowing artists from the UK to come and work in Bermuda)," she added.

Ms Robinson also noted that it was hard to say whether or not many Bermudians will move to the U.K. permanently, though she felt that there would mostly be a "short-term exodus".

She explained that, more often than not, it seemed as though those who are eager to leave the Island are those who are unable to do so, due to citizenship or otherwise.

However those who have had the opportunity to live abroad, like herself, she said, "are normally itching to get home".

"If Bermudian artists gain more respect and prestige abroad then maybe the Bermuda Government will take the art scene more seriously," Ms Robinson concluded. "People can see Bermuda as more than just a tourism destination."