Our Arts & Culture

The Cayman Islands is a creative hub and interest in the arts and culture has grown in the Islands in recent years. The renewed focus is on preserving the traditions and art forms unique to the country as well as developing new avenues and talents.

Development of the Arts

The education curriculum in schools includes art, dance and music, adding, usually at the secondary level, the opportunity to study drama. The National Children's Festival of the Arts is staged each year to feature students’ talents.

Cayman National Cultural Foundation

The non-profit Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) oversees several aspects of arts and culture development in the islands. A private-government partnership funds this body that sponsors programmes in the visual, performing and literary arts. Their purpose is to facilitate the exploration and preservation of Caymanian culture and artistic expression.

CNCF runs several training programmes in artistic disciplines, including a summer intensive theatre arts programme, Young at Arts. Each year, the foundation also gives grants to individuals and groups to pursue courses, develop programmes, mount exhibits, and create works.

CNCF also manages the Harquail Theatre which was damaged during 2004’s Huricane Ivan. The theatre has since been restored and opened in 2006.

Another building of historic significance is Gladwyn Klosking Bush “Miss Lassie’s” house in South Sound Cayman, which survived the Hurricane Ivan and has been owned and cared for by CNCF since 2009. The house, named Mind's Eye, was constructed between 1878-1881 by Miss Lassie’s grandfather and father and made out of wattle and daub. The house holds historical significance because of the paintings found on the walls, windows and ceilings. The unique artwork in the house and its cultural significance to the Cayman Islands placed Mind’s Eye on the World Monuments Watch List in 2012.

In 1996, the Ministry of Culture, with the help of CNCF, launched an annual arts and crafts festival, Cayfest, to showcase local artists and traditions.  Cayfest is a month-long exposition, anchored by the Red Sky at Night event which features performances in the visual, performing, and literary arts. Competitions, taste of local cuisine and sounds of live steel pan and drums are just some of the things to look forward to during the festival.

The National Gallery Cayman Islands

The National Gallery Cayman Islands (NGCI) is an inclusive gathering place which honours our artistic heritage, celebrates art and seeks to provide inspiring learning experiences for all of our diverse public. The National Gallery is the country’s leading public visual arts organisation committed to collecting and exhibiting works of art and providing innovative and creative educational programmes. While placing Caymanian culture at the forefront, the National Gallery embraces diverse cultures and traditions of our global community.

Established in 1996, NGCI is a vibrant arts organisation that seeks to fulfil its mission through exhibitions, artist residencies, education/outreach programmes and research projects. The National Gallery operates in both a local and global arena. As part of their mission to promote and encourage the appreciation and practice of the visual arts, of and in the Cayman Islands, the National Gallery sends Caymanian art and artists abroad and hosts many fine international artists, exhibitions and their works in the Cayman Islands.

Other Institutions

In addition to CNCF and NGCI, there are many more societies and groups devoted to specific art forms. These include:

Cayman Islands National Museum

The mission of the Cayman National Museum is “to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience our island's unique natural and cultural heritage." It is located at the historic center of George Town and is Cayman's oldest surviving public building. In the past it served as the first Post Office, the earliest Commissioner's Offices, and the first purpose-built Courthouse. In addition to that it also served as a schoolroom, a public library, a savings bank, and a church hall.

National Trust for the Cayman Islands

The motto of the National Trust is "to preserve places of historic significance for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands." 

The Historic Programme’s purpose is to preserve part of our identity that is manifested through our built heritage. Architecture is an important expression of our culture and it has played a critical role in helping to define Caymanian identity. Thanks to the preservation efforts of the National Trust and partnership with the Department of TourismDepartment of Education Services, and Ministry of Culture, there are examples of Cayman's built heritage today that can be appreciated, remembered and ultimately shared and passed on for generations.

Below are a few examples of Historic Sites protected by the National Trust:

     •    Dr. Roy's Ironshore, George Town
     •    East End Lighthouse Park, East End
     •    Eldemire House, Cayman Brac
     •    Fort George, George Town
     •    Guard House Park, Bodden Town
     •    Heritage Beach, East End
     •    Mission House, Bodden Town
     •    Miss Izzy’s School House, West Bay
     •    Nurse Leila's House, West Bay
     •    Old Savannah Schoolhouse, Savannah
     •    Watler's Cemetery, Old Prospect Road, George Town

Historic and Cultural Attractions

Apart from the sites owned by the National Trust, other sites that embody the spirit of Caymanian Heritage include the Old Homestead “the pink house” on West Bay road. Built in 1912 using wattle and daub, the house is famously photographed for its traditional Cayman charm. In addition Tony Powell’s Museum and Craft Shop features many old-time Caymanian artifacts that have been passed down in his family. From thatch brooms and old wash boards to seafaring memorabilia, all are on display in the West bay museum. Miss Lassie’s House, owned by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation is another must-see historic site. Known not only for its exceptional artwork by Miss Lassie; but the building itself located on South Sound road, epitomises traditional Caymanian homes.

Architecture is not the only way to trace and celebrate the history of our Islands. The Cayman Motor Museum features the first car ever brought to the Cayman Islands and much more.

Annual Events

While there are hundreds of Events and activities to do on every island throughout the year, there are a few world famous, annual events for food, music and performing arts that you cannot miss. To name a few, in spring there is Taste of Cayman, a culinary & wine festival featuring talented local and international chefs and wine experts. For music and culture enthusiasts there is Kaaboo Cayman, which hosted its first annual event in February 2019. 

The Cayman National Cultural Foundation runs an annual playwriting workshop and sponsors an annual storytelling festival: Gimistory, held in December. Another Caymanian theatre tradition is the production of Rundown. In addition, during February- March, enjoy Red Sky at Night, which takes place during Cayfest, the annual celebration of Cayman’s cultural diversity and artistic talent. Visit Cayman Cultural Foundation website for more information on Cayman’s artistic scene and related events. Of course a year could not go by without having our vibrant, colourful showcase of music, dance, and pageantry! In May experience the heartbeat of the Caribbean with Batabano Carnival and Caymas.

November is when we host our annual Pirate's Week celebration which showcases Cayman’s rich heritage and history. The two-week long event across the Islands is kicked off with the much anticipated Pirates landing and fireworks display. Celebrating 43 years of Cayman culture and pirate folklore, the festival is filled with days of music, dancing, good eats and parades and of course showcasing the heritage of each of our individual districts.

Check our calendar for further information.