Arts Awards

The National Arts and Culture Awards recognise those who attain a level of merit in their artistic discipline, contribute to the arts, culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands and support the work of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation. The awards have undergone a change both in eligibility requirements and the physical award.

What were previously The Cultural Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award (Radley Gourzong Award) and Cultural Heritage Award are now The CNCF Heritage Cross Medal. The awards previously given for artistic endeavour, achievement and excellence are now The CNCF Star for Creativity in the Arts Medal. Each medal has gold, silver and bronze divisions. CNCF Artistic Director Henry Muttoo designed both awards.

Awards are also presented for Volunteer of the Year, Sponsor of the Year and the Chairman’s Award for outstanding long-term support of CNCF’s work. The awards ceremony is a CNCF initiative that began in 1990.

CNCF awards are not restricted to those people who work with the Cultural Foundation. Each year there is a call for nominations from cultural and heritage organisations as well as from the general public. These organisations submit nominations for The CNCF Star for Creativity in the Arts in their particular disciplines. The general public makes nominations for The CNCF Heritage Cross.

The CNCF’s Grants and Awards Committee reviews the nominations and selects the award recipients. CNCF Board Member Morgan DaCosta chairs the committee. The other members of the committee are CNCF Board Member Lorna Reid and Mary Anne Kosa. The committee reserves the right not to present an award if no nominee satisfies the criteria.

Meet the winners...

19th Annual Arts & Culture Awards

Chairman’s Award • Tropicana Tours

Tropicana Tours, founded in 1981, is the Cayman Islands’ first ground tour operator and is the largest grossing destination management company in the Cayman Islands. They provide transportation of course, but also, themed parties, off-site events, catering, spouse programs, hospitality desks, local tours and activities and other specialized products and services to ensure that they satisfy the needs of groups of all sizes. Tropicana Tours’ long-standing involvement with CNCF has assisted us in delivering our creative cargo as well as affordable programmes to the community. From providing a bus service for our Young at Arts programme to taking care of our international storytellers during Gimistory, their slogan really does confirm their work – “We do it all for you.”

Sponsor of the Year • Butterfield

"Butterfield is proud to support the Cayman National Cultural Foundation Young at Arts programme. We believe that supporting the development and aspirations of young people is important.  The arts are a fundamental building block to education and academic achievement.  Programmes such as this build on our children’s overall development, self-esteem and self-confidence, and provide a positive outlet for them after school and during the holiday.  Butterfield encourages appreciation and exploration of the arts and is pleased to support our CNCF in this huge undertaking." Rebecca L Ebanks, Marketing & Communications at Butterfield 

Volunteer of the Year

In 2012, the CNCF continued to attract new volunteers year round by offering a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, both in the office and at special events. Both Alberto Estevanovich and Winston Salmon were chosen by CNCF staff as "Volunteers of the Year" because they could both be called upon to reliably and consistently answer every call, sometimes at very short notice and sometimes for every single night for extended periods of time when a production was on stage.

Alberto Estevanovich

Originally from Costa Rica, Alberto Estevanovich moved to Grand Cayman in 1970.  He came on board as a CNCF volunteer in 2005, and has proven to be an important member of the team for such events, festivals and initiatives as Gimistory, Rundown, Cayfest, Save Miss Lassie’s House, the National Arts & Culture Awards, Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase and more recently, the production of Doubt.  Alberto’s 40 plus years in the hospitality industry has proven valuable, as he often handles the management of the CNCF bar and any food and beverage related responsibilities during shows and festivals. 

Winston Salmon

Winston James Salmon was born in England and has been residing in the Cayman Islands for over thirty years. He is a trained science teacher and accountant and is a passionate lover of all aspects of the arts. Winston never says ‘No’ and has volunteered consistently during the past year at GIMISTORY, Miss Lassie’s House, the production of Doubt, in the CNCF office, the Harquail Theatre costume room… to name just a few areas of responsibility. Always enthusiastic, it’s our pleasure to recognise Winston as Volunteer of the Year for the second year in a row! 

Heritage Cross Award • Gold

Charles Marvin Ebank’s

Captain Marvin has been a role model of honesty and integrity for the Cayman Islands community. He has silently given to those in need and with his warm hospitality has given reason for countless tourists to return to Cayman year after year. One of the founders of Stingray City, Captain Marvin has pioneered an attraction that has contributed greatly to Caymanian culture and brought millions of dollars to the Cayman Islands economy. Captain Marvin is the recipient of the West Bay Heritage Award, the DOT Ambassador of Tourism Award and has been featured in Skin Diver Magazine and been recognized by the American Society of Travel Agents.  

Heritage Cross Award • Gold

Nurse Josie Solomon

Nurse Josie Solomon has spent more than 20 years impacting arts and culture in the Cayman Islands. A talented traditional artist, Nurse Josie sews, plaits thatch and sisal, crochets and is eager to pass down her skills to anyone who is willing to learn.  She has consistently given back to the community by providing opportunities for residents (including school children) and visitors to learn more about culture and Cayman’s heritage at the Nurse Josie's Seniors Centre. The Centre is enthralling – taking you back to the days of yore, reminding you of Cayman’s ties to the sea and the land, and the many persons who came before to make our islands what they are today.

Heritage Cross Award • Silver

Mrs. Annie Joy Ebanks

Mrs. Annie Joy Ebanks began straw work at the age of five. Taught by her mother,she made her first basket at six years of age. Mrs. Annie embodies all that is traditional Caymanian art and was recently recognised by the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. From her creative artistic interpretations to original thatch designs, she has been an innovator in the field of thatch work. Mrs. Annie is a member of the Cayman Traditional Arts Council and has contributed to countless community events and activities. Imparting traditional knowledge wherever possible and dedicating her life to her work, Mrs. Annie is undoubtedly a cultural treasure to be cherished.

Star for Creativity in the Arts  • Bronze

Miss. Patricia Marie Bent

Miss Patricia Bent is a talented, inspirational and ambitious performing artist and teacher.  At all times she seeks to keep her work culturally relevant, while simultaneously entertaining youth with her quick humour. Committed to keeping Cayman’s culture alive, Miss Bent has woven her performing arts skills and cultural knowledge into quality theatre productions.  She has written and produced several plays including Isabel, aired by CNCF and Radio Cayman in 2010. Miss Bent has received the CNCF Grants for the Arts for her work and continues to produce outstanding work in the arts for Cayman to enjoy.

20TH ANNUAL ARTS & CULTURE AWARDS ANNOUNCED • February 27th, 2014  

Click here, to download a nomination form for the 20th Annual Arts & Culture Awards. 

Submit your nomination for the CNCF Heritage Cross Award either by post to: Arts & Culture Awards, PO Box 30201, Grand Cayman KY1-1201, CAYMAN ISLANDS or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For more information on the Arts & Culture Awards call us on 949 5477 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To view past Arts & Culture Awards winners click here