The Foundation
Our Foundation’s overarching purpose is to develop an awareness of Caymanian heritage and the potential of the creative arts, thereby improving the quality of life for Caymanians and residents and fostering among Caymanians a sense of national identity, unity and pride.
Enshrined in law, we exist to stimulate and facilitate the development, preservation, and celebration of Caymanian culture by supporting individuals and organisations in their cultural and artistic expression, with a particular focus on Caymanian performing and visual arts. Through the development, maintenance, and management of theatres and other cultural facilities, we nurture local talent through training, workshops, competitions, exhibitions, community events, and national cultural festivals.
In addition to a busy calendar of productions, festivals and events, the Foundation also supports a thriving arts education programme, both on site and in the community, and manages the World Monuments Fund-listed site, Mind’s Eye Centre, which houses the late intuitive artist Gladwyn K. ‘Miss Lassie’ Bush’s historic cottage and art collection.
Our Mission
“CNCF is chartered to promote, protect, preserve and nurture cultural and artistic heritage for all. We bring together the traditions, cultural expressions, groups, individuals and institutions that make up Cayman’s arts and culture sector.
Through access to expertise, training and professional development, funding and grants, we help Cayman preserve its cultural identity and grow an even richer, more vibrant arts and culture scene.”
Our Creative Vision
“In collaboration with our creative community, partner institutions, and supporters of the arts, we aim to improve the lives of all Caymanians through the celebration and development of our arts and culture.
As custodians of Cayman’s arts and cultural heritage, the Foundation’s Creator Hub provides access to knowledge, skills and funding opportunities for Caymanian artists and creators to express themselves and bring their ideas to life.
By 2033, Cayman’s arts and culture will be proudly celebrated by all Caymanians and residents who share in our vibrant, richly diverse and distinct cultural identity that is unique to these islands.”
Our Story
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation has its origins in the Inn Theatre (1977), and the later Cayman National Theatre Company (1984), which was founded by three Caymanians and two Londoners, each passionate about the arts: Frank McField, sociologist and playwright; Bendel Hydes, visual artist; Anita Ebanks, museums, libraries and cultural preservationist; Maureen Cresswell, educator, designer and writer; and Geoff Cresswell, then Head of Drama at the Cayman Islands High School, who would go on to become CNCF’s founding Artistic Director.
Combining their individual creativity with a common interest in ensuring that the theatrical arts were accessible to all, the company acted as a cultural incubator and catalyst that explored and celebrated Caymanian culture and heritage, as well as wider regional and international theatre.
Read MoreOur Team
Cayman National Cultural Foundation Board 2025-2027
Stephen Price
Chairman
Sulekha Tummala
Deputy Chairman
Angela Whittaker
Treasurer
Carmin Godfrey
Member
Jason Gilbert
Member
Amanda Bodden
Member
Nicholas Johnson
Member
Michael McLaughlin
Member
Menelik Miller
Member
Rosalie Twohey
Managing Director
Rita Powell
Head of Education, Grants, and Research
Cassandrea Shea
Head of Theatre and Festivals
Yainelys Ebanks
Arts Administrator
Michelle Cayouette
Client Engagement Manager
Nicole Durrant
Education and Research Officer
Barry Campbell
Theatre & Events Technician
Megan Stewart Green
Education and Research Assistant
John-Michael Kerford
Production Assistant
Benjamin Tatum
Education and Research Junior Assistant
Dexter Powery
Groundsman
Associate Artists
CNCF works with guest artists to support our annual creative programme. Our Associate Artists and partner organisations help us fulfil our artistic vision and strategic objectives, through collaborations, commissions and co-production. Learn more about our Associate Artists here.
Learn moreFuture Plans
Strategic Direction
In 2022, CNCF launched an exercise to develop an ambitious new strategic direction that would build on our strong artistic legacy while adapting to the evolving needs of Cayman’s growing creative sector. Our strategic vision prioritises expanding our education and community programmes, growing the support of and for Caymanian artists, becoming a thought leader in the creative sector, and working towards the long-term vision of a National Cultural Campus in partnership with the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.
Strategic Plan PDFAnnual Reports
As part of our commitment to transparency, we publish annual reports and data relating to our strategic plan, output achievements, and funding agreements. Learn more about the Foundation’s work over the past several years here.