Bermudian taxpayers are shelling out $75,000 for a Barack Obama-themed party in Washington D.C. on Saturday night.

The Audacity of Hope Gala and Ball — named after a book of the same name by the new US President — is being sponsored by the Island's Department of Tourism to promote Bermuda as a travel destination.

A press release issued yesterday said leaders in business, media, political and sports arenas had been invited to the black tie ball at the Fairmont Washington DC Hotel.

Premier Ewart Brown is representing Bermuda at the presidential inauguration on Tuesday. A number of Cabinet Ministers will also be in the US capital for the historic event and will be paying for their own travel costs.

Dr. Brown said of the ball: "Our marketing partner thought this would be a great opportunity to highlight Bermuda at a time when our tourism industry has begun to feel the impact of the economic downturn.

"The Director (of Tourism) and I agreed this is a rare opportunity to associate the Bermuda brand with people in our target audience at a euphoric time."

• A series of original oil portraits of Barack Obama will be auctioned in Bermuda on the day of his inauguration.

Gallery 135, a new retail centre at 135 Front Street, is hosting the Obama Presidential Art Collection and Silent Auction at 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

The free event will also feature African culture, art, accessories, home decor and jewellery brought to Bermuda by former reinsurance worker Lynelle Frith-Inusah, of Ama Afrique Designs.

Entertainment will include resident band Bizr, DJ C-Cyde, violinist Taylor Rankin and singer Joy Barnum.

Part proceeds from the auction will be donated to Agape House and the Golden Hearts Foundation, a non-profit organisation which helps children with heart conditions and whose treasurer is Bermudian Karen Hendrickson.