The Cayman National Cultural Foundation recently celebrated 25 years with with a grand 2009 National Arts and Culture Awards celebration. Awards were given to persons who made significant contribuitons to the field over the years. Here, former Minister for Community Development, Youth, Sports and Gender Affairs, Dr. Frank McField is presented with the Gold Heritage Cross by CNCF Board Member Morgan DaCosta.

By Kevin Shereves
Kavin@caymannetnews.com

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) hosted their 25th Anniversary and the 2009 National Arts & Culture Awards titled ‘One White One Black’ in Honor of their founders, supporters and artists on 23 October at the Harquail Theatre.

A special award presentation was made to Helen Harquail after whom the Harquail Theatre was named, as well as to Mr Oswell Rankine, for their contributions.

CNCF’s Director of Marketing & Public Education, Charles Glidden said,“ We produced a thirteen minute CNCF video journey which covered a retrospective of CNCF over the past 25 years, including archival photographs from as far back as the 1970’s and 80’s. He said that the Nor’wester magazine was also a valuable source of information.

The founders of the theatre were honoured and recognised for their work and contributions. They were presented with an award of Caymanite created by local artist Horacio Estaban.

Gwen Pineau opened the show with the “Sound of Music”, playing the role of Maria. Mr Glidden also noted that it was a performance from the “Sound of Music” that first opened the theatre on 1 December 1986.

Originally created by Dr Frank Mcfield, scenes from ‘Downside Up; the most produced Caymanian play were shown during the awards ceremony along with the popular play ‘Run Down’, Cayman’s favorite comedy. Dance Unlimited also performed an entertaining piece called ‘Drums of Joy’.

Sonia Bodden-Kimball was honoured as volunteer of the year.

“It means a lot to me because I believe in the work that the CNCF does. I worked as project manager for six years and I totally appreciate what volunteers mean to the organisation,” she said.

“I spent a lot of hours as a volunteer over the past year stage managing various productions. During the production and rehearsals I was there every day.”

“I do appreciate the honour of being named Volunteer of the Year. I devote any extra time that I have to developing and preserving the culture of the Island. I live and breathe the arts,” she said.

Mr Glidden said that the 25th anniversary was also the debut of new awards.

“We presented our recipients with trophies. We presented awards for artists and performers who have done well in the categories of excellence, endeavor and achievement,” he explained.

The 2009 Arts & Culture Award was presented to founding members of the Inn Theatre Company: Geoff Cresswell, Anita Ebanks, Bendel Hydes, Frank McField, and Maureen Roberts. A special award was also presented to Edward Herd.

CNCF Star for Creativity in the Arts - Gold went to Alan Ebanks, Bendel Hydes, Charles Glidden, Consuelo Ebanks, Carlyle Ebanks, Daphne Orrett, Geoff Cresswell, Harwell McCoy, Leroy Holness, Tony Rowlands (awarded posthumously), and Herbie Martin.

Stars for Creativity in the Arts-Silver was presented to Donna Reid, Georgia Issacs, Morgan DaCosta, Fitz McPherson, Gordon Solomon, and Junior Jennings.

Stars and Heritage Cross Certificates were presented to Iona Hardware, Michael McLaughlin, and Septimore Scott (awarded posthumously).