The Department of Culture and the Bermuda Arts Council (BAC) are pleased to announce the first round of grant recipients for 2026. The awardees reflect a diverse range of disciplines and stages of creative development, showcasing the depth of talent within Bermuda’s arts community. These grants support artists and organisations in delivering projects that contribute to Bermuda’s cultural landscape while fostering creativity, education, heritage preservation, and community engagement.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said: “The Government remains committed to supporting Bermuda’s artists, cultural practitioners, and creative organisations. 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. We congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing the impact of their work.”
Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council, Shanna Hollis, shared: “The Bermuda Arts Council is 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.”
The following individuals and organisations have been selected for the following grant categories:
Stewardship & Production Grant ($3,000): Granted to Karen Franks to continue developing educational children's media following the success of her Abigail’s Dream Adventure series. Her latest project, The Colorful Little Cricketers, includes a children's book and digital television series that explores themes of resilience, teamwork, perseverance, diversity, and empowerment through the sport of cricket. The project aims to provide children with engaging educational content that promotes positive values and global understanding.
Project Grant ($5,000): Granted to Yusef Bushara for Isolated Winds, a multimodal exhibition bringing four Bermudian and Sudanese artists into conversation around the theme of return. Drawing on research into shared histories and geological connections, the project explores themes of global solidarity, cultural exchange, and belonging. The exhibition will later be presented in London, extending dialogue and collaboration between artists and communities from both countries.
Education & Experience Grant ($2,000): Granted to Lara Hetzel to attend PACCIN in Stockholm, a professional development opportunity focused on the preservation and protection of cultural property. The experience will provide specialised training and international networking opportunities that will strengthen her ability to support the care, presentation, and preservation ofartistic and cultural works in Bermuda.
Materials & Equipment Grant ($2,000): Granted to Ahmed-Yassine Abdellah Chentouf to support the continued development of Super Summer, a community-focused initiative that combines arts, culture, education, and personal development. The grant will assist with equipment and resources needed for the upcoming “SS26” events, creating safe and engaging spaces for participants to connect, learn new skills, and experience creative programming.
Materials & Equipment Grant ($2,000): Granted to Nadiyah Brown to support the advancement of her analogue photography practice. The grant will fund essential equipment, repairs, and materials that will enable her to continue documenting and preserving visual narratives that explore heritage, identity, and the experiences of people and communities across Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Professional Development Grant ($2,500): Granted to Troy Washington to support the acquisition and maintenance of industry-standard percussion and recording equipment, while also contributing to the expansion of the No Limits Music School Legacy Programme. The initiative will provide education, mentorship, training, and performance opportunities for young musicians, creating structured pathways for artistic development and community engagement.
Organisational Grant ($5,000): Granted to the Chewstick Foundation for the creation of a Community Mural at Devonshire Recreation Club. The project will commemorate the Club’s historic role as a community hub and its significance following the February 2, 1965 BELCO Crisis.
Onion Bulb Grant ($1,000): Presented to Devray Denwiddie to support the creation of new fine art and wearable art works for exhibition and public presentation. The funding will assist in transforming conceptual ideas into completed pieces that explore personal creative expression across multiple artistic mediums.
Onion Bulb Grant ($1,000): Granted to Zachary Wilson for Solara Unplugged, a live music initiative supporting the Lumina Festival and its mission to celebrate culture, creativity, and community. The project showcases local and international talent while creating opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through live performance and cultural exchange.
BAC celebrates the accomplishments of all recipients and looks forward to supporting Bermuda’s vibrant arts community throughout 2026.
To learn more about Bermuda Arts Council grants and the 2026 grant application process, please visit www.artscouncil.bm.
