Cayman National Cultural Foundation

OUR MISSION:
“To stimulate, facilitate and preserve cultural and artistic expression generally, particularly the preservation and exploration of Caymanian performing, visual and literary arts.”

Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) is a non-profit organization created by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation Law, 1984. The Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture is CNCF’s governing Ministry. The Chief Officer in this Ministry is Jennifer Ahearn.

A Board of Directors chaired by Martyn C. W. Bould oversees CNCF. The management structure is headed by an Artistic Director, Henry Muttoo and a Managing Director, Marcia Muttoo who are supported by two Programmes Managers, a Programmes Officer, a part-time Technical Assistant, a part-time Volunteer Co-ordinator and a Caretaker of the Cultural Centre. Further support comes from volunteers.

CNCF is funded by an annual government grant from the Ministry of Health, Environment, Youth, Sports and Culture. Additional funding comes from corporate sponsorship, ticket sales to events and rental of the Harquail Theatre and Studio Theatre.

The work of the Cultural Foundation incorporates arts and cultural preservation, cultural festivals, the National Theatre, artistic development, youth arts, and special projects. These are in fact the outputs that are funded by the Cayman Islands Government. CNCF’s activities cover the full scope of artistic disciplines…Theatre…Dance…Music…Visual…Literary and Culinary Arts.

ARTS & CULTURAL PRESERVATION
CNCF is the custodian of the Gladwyn K. Bush (Miss Lassie) Collection of art. This collection consists of 125 original paintings. CNCF is also responsible for the restoration and management of Miss Lassie’s house, to be called 'MIND'S EYE- The World of Visionary Intuitive-Gladwyn K. Bush. In addition CNCF maintains a library of Caymanian and Caribbean books and electronic media that is open to the public.

CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Cayfest- The Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts focuses on local artists and heritage including a Catboat Regatta. Performances from abroad are also included. The ever-popular Gimistory- The International Storytelling Festival of the Cayman Islands features storytellers from Cayman, the Caribbean and beyond.

NATIONAL THEATRE
CNCF manages the facilities at the F. J. Harquail Cultural Centre, namely the 300 seat Harquail Theatre and the 52 seat Harquail Studio. The Harquail Theatre is considered Cayman’s National Theatre. The Foundation also produces theatrical productions at these theatres. Cayman’s longest running and most popular show, Rundown, is a CNCF production. The show is co-produced with Dave Martins who also writes the show. This musical comedy review, directed by Henry Muttoo, has been staged annually since 1990.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
CNCF offers training and support of local artists in the performing, visual and literary arts. The development and support of artists is in the form of workshops, financial grants, competitions and symposia.

YOUTH ARTS
The Foundation provides programmes aimed at young people involving the artistic disciplines of drama, dance, storytelling and music. Children as young as eight years old attend the CNCF Summer Arts Camp.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

This includes such activities as organizing the Cayman delegation attending the regional arts festival Carifesta.

COMMITTEES:
Grants & Awards Committee – This committee evaluates and approves applications for financial grants and determines the amount of money granted. The committee also evaluates nominations for the National Arts & Cultural Awards and names the recipients of the various awards. The committee members are CNCF Deputy Chair Mary Elizabeth Rodriguez, Board Members Lorna Reid and Morgan DaCosta and sculptor Horacio Esteban.   Donna Reid serves as Committee Secretary.

FAQ

Why is the Cultural Centre named F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre?
F. J. Harquail was a Canadian businessman and the husband of Helen Harquail. Mrs. Harquail, who took up residence in the Cayman Islands, donated the land on which the Cultural Centre is located and funded the building of the Harquail Theatre as a gift to the people of Cayman. She stipulated that the centre must be named in memory of her late husband.

Did any Caymanians contribute to the building of the Cultural Centre?
Businessman Lawrence Thompson donated land which enables access from Lawrence Blvd. to the site donated by Mrs. Harquail.

Can we book a tour of the Harquail?

Tours of the Harquail Theatre and Harquail Studio are given to school groups, community groups and people interested in renting the theatre. Call 949-5477 to book a tour.

Who is eligible for a financial grant?
Please click here to go to the Grants page.