The Cayman National Cultural
Foundation will present its 16th annual Cayfest from 5 April to 1
May.
Cayfest, the National Festival of
the Arts is the Cayman Islands longest-running, comprehensive celebration of Caymanian
arts, culture and heritage. The festival seeks to foster and preserve creative
expression in the Cayman Islands through the promotion and celebration of the
performing, visual and literary arts, with special emphasis on youth
activities.
In 1995, the then Culture Minister,
McKeeva Bush, approached the director of the Cultural Foundation with a
proposal to create a National Youth Festival.
With that idea Cayfest was born.
The initial production was held at the Lions Centre in December of that
year. Traditionally, the packed schedule has been family centred, for the most
part, and admission free for the public.
The Cultural Foundation’s Artistic
Director, Henry Muttoo, said: “Cayfest
has something for everyone – music, dance, poetry, traditional games, storytelling,
photography, film, video and catboat races.
‘We at CNCF understand the power of
the arts to entertain, educate, document and engender change”.
Recently, at the Cultural
Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebrations, Premier McKeeva Bush,
revisited the work of the Foundation and said: “Had it not been for CNCF and
the dedicated people of the organisation, books such as Will Jackson’s Smoke
Pot Days may never have been published. If not for CNCF, many Caymanians may
never have performed on a stage. If not for CNCF the music of Radley Gourzoung
may not have been recorded for future generations to hear… Arts and Culture
make up the heart and soul of a people.
“Over the past 25 years CNCF has
created programmes that greatly enrich our community… the contributions of the
Cayman National Cultural Foundation are invaluable to our people.”
Cayfest events will be held
throughout the Cayman Islands incorporating traditional pastimes such as
seaside activities, culinary events and storytelling.
Cayfest 2010 schedule
April 5
Easter Catboat Regatta
West Bay Road Public Beach,
10am-6pm
The Easter Catboat Regatta was historically a major event on the
Caymanian Activities calendar. Always
held on Easter Monday, it was a time for “old salts” to showcase their
seafaring prowess, which provided excitement and entertainment for the huge
crowds that gathered on shore.
April 9
Culture Jam
Camana Bay, 7-11pm
An open mic forum where artists
from the different disciplines of the performing arts convene to fraternise and
entertain and members of the audience are invited to participate. This is aimed at facilitating artistic
expressions and unifying artistic exchanges.
April 13
Music Unplugged featuring The
Cayman Folk Choir /Launch of dual CD:
Radley Gourzoung & Aunt Julia Hydes
Harquail Theatre, 7pm
This year’s event will see the
debut of the Cayman Folk Choir, as well as the launch of a dual CD with the
traditional kitchen dance music of Radley Gourzong and ‘Aunt’ Julia Hydes.
April 14
Photo Exhibition (runs until 1
May)
Harquail Theatre, 7pm
The show will feature photographs
from four Photos from four age categories:
Adult Professional, Adult Amateur, Youth and Children.
Granny Backyard
Island 24, 8pm (Rebroadcast on 28
April)
Televised discussion/storytelling
with members of the community on the use of local bushes to create traditional
teas. Bodden Town, Mission House.
April 15
Distinguished Lecture
Mind’s Eye Intuitive Arts Centre
Time 7pm
Presenter: Sherri Ebanks
Wine & Cheese reception and
video presentations.
On the grounds of Miss Lassie’s,
South Sound/Walkers Road junction.
April 17
Dance Vibes
Harquail Theatre, 7pm
April 18
Young Image Makers Short Film
Premiere
Harquail Theatre, 5pm
Young Image Makers is a short film
competition in two parts, geared towards youth aged 10 – 15 years old. A
one-day filmmaking workshop was offered to students who were selected from the
first round of the competition. This workshop
introduced selected students to the concept of storytelling using moving
images. The basics of film making
(writing, directing, editing) were examined and taught. The final works will be
screened and one lucky participant will also have their piece shown on CITN’s
Kidz Stuff and awarded an overseas film workshop scholarship, to New York Film
Academy.
19-23 April and 26-30 April
Cayfest On Air presents ISABEL!
A Caymanian play by Patricia Bent
Radio Cayman, 7pm
The award winning play by Patricia
Bent from the 2003 CNCF National Playwriting Competition will be broadcast to
engage and entertain local radio audiences with locally written and produced
theatre material; to increase on air presence; to provide voice acting
opportunities for local actors
The play will be divided into ten
12-minute segments and aired over 10 nights (weekdays only) after Radio
Cayman’s evening news broadcast.
April 21
Young at Arts Gimistory
Elizabethan Square 6PM
Continuing and encouraging the oral
tradition of sharing stories about Cayman’s heritage and many cultures; to encourage
literacy among young people; to give youth an opportunity to hone their skills
and reach a wider audience; to bring people together to reflect on our past,
present and future
April 24
Praise
Governor’s Residence 7pm
Choirs from various churches
Island-wide lift their unified voices in Praise!
April 25
Fresh!
Harquail Theatre, 6pm
April 29 – May 1
One White One Black (play) by Frank
McField
(for mature audiences only)
Harquail Theatre, 8pm
May 1
Sister Islands Cayfest Variety Show
Cayman Brac
Aston Rutty Time, 8pm
Chalkfest
Camana Bay
Treasure Hunt
North Terminal, 9am-2pm