Read All About It!
Catch up with the latest news (and past news stories) from the Cayman National Cultural Foundation.
Featured News

Cayman Islands Folk Singers performance dates announced
Caymanian Times | 25 October 2022
The Cayman Islands Folk Singers will perform at several venues around Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac this year, performing at the Lion Centre for Old Person’s Month, in all districts for Gimistory, Christmas of YesterYear and Christmas concerts. Starting in Cayman Brac this Saturday 22 October, the group will finish the season with a production in partnership with the Cayman Islands National Dance Company at Harquail Theatre on Sunday 18 December.

Winner of CNCF National Playwriting Competition Announced
Caymanian Times | 6 June 2022 (also featured in Cayman Compass, Cayman Marl Road and on Radio Cayman)
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has announced Kirsty O’Sullivan as the winner of the 2022 National Playwriting Competition (NPC). O’Sullivan’s play – Floating Doll – was one of three entries in the category of one-act plays written by individuals aged 18 and over.

National Cultural Foundation Seeking Volunteers
6 June 2022 | Loop Cayman
The Cayman Islands National Cultural Foundation said that they are looking for a few good volunteers to conduct free student and public tours of the Mind’s Eye Education Centre, affectionately and widely known as Miss Lassie’s House.

Natalie Urquhart appointed as interim CEO National Cultural Foundation
9 April 2022 | Loop Cayman
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has announced the appointment of Natalie Urquhart as interim Chief Executive Officer on a six-month secondment from her role as Director of the National Gallery.

CNCF’s National Playwriting Competition Returns
1 April 2022 | Cayman Compass
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has brought back the National Playwriting Competition (NPC) which gives persons, young and old, the opportunity to share their writing talent to potentially win a monetary prize and have their play produced. In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee, entries are being invited for plays written around the theme ‘Majesty’, whatever the writer’s interpretation of that word may be.

Community shows cultural pride in Dress for Culture Day
11 March 2022 | Cayman Compass
The Cayman community showed off their homeland pride and cultural attire in honour of the National Cultural Foundation’s Dress for Culture Day fundraiser.

Winners Announced for the 28th Annual National Arts & Culture Awards
9 February 2022 | Caymanian Times (also featured in Cayman Compass and Cayman News Service)
Twelve of Cayman’s cultural practitioners and preservationists will be honoured for their contribution to the country’s arts and cultural legacy at the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s 28th annual National Arts and Culture Awards which takes place on Thursday, 17 February at the Harquail Theatre.

Christmas of Yesteryears to be Reenacted at Miss Lassie’s House
20 December 2021 | Caymanian Times
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) will be cleaning and sprucing up Miss Lassie’s home in South Sound in preparation for Christmas. The annual event, called “Christmas of Yesteryears”, reenacts the various activities that Caymanians would engage in years ago as part of their cultural traditions during the holiday season.

Grant applications open for CNCF 2022 programme
9 December 2021 | Cayman Compass
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has announced that the application process for the 2022 Grants for the Arts programme (March review) is now open. Grant applications are considered annually in March and September and is a part of the organisation’s mission to facilitate and preserve all forms of artistic expression in Cayman.

Cayman Islands Folk Singers to Host First Concert Series in Five Years
21 October 2021 | Cayman Compass (also featured in Caymanian Times and Loop Cayman News)
Fans of the Cayman Islands Folk Singers are in for a treat this month when the group hosts its first concert series in over five years. “Memories of Yesteryears” is the theme of the event which takes place from Friday, 29 October to Sunday, 31 October at the Harquail Theatre and on Saturday, 6 November in Cayman Brac at the Agriculture Grounds.

Local Historian to Star in Cultural Symposium
25 May 2021 | Cayman News Service
Caymanian historian, educator, author and former education minister, Roy Bodden, will be the star of a planned symposium by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) next month at the Harquail Theatre which will be open to the public and free of charge.

CNCF to Host Symposium on the Work of Caymanian Author J. A. Roy Bodden
24 May 2021 | Caymanian Times
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), in collaboration with the Committee for the Promotion of Research and Cayman Scholarship (CPRCS), will be hosting a symposium to discuss and celebrate the work of prominent Caymanian historian, educator, author and former member of Government J. A. Roy Bodden.

CNCF Art Grant Applications Open
8 May 2021 | Cayman Marl Road
Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has announced the opening of its 2021 art grants which will be awarded in September.

Celebrating Cayman Writers, Writings & the Arts: A Multiplicity of Genres
6 May 2021 | Caymanian Times
Cayman’s varied writings cater to whatever is our individual interest and preoccupation, displaying awesome talent. Since Cayman can brag such a multiplicity of genres, it is hoped that we will take a new look at ourselves, what we produce, visit a local bookstore, and simply delve!
Application Process for CNCF 2021 Grants For the Arts Programme Opens
4 May 2021 | Radio Cayman
Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has announced the opening of its 2021 arts grants which will be awarded in September. CNCF grant applications are considered annually in March and September, and are part of the organisation’s mission to faciliate and preserve all forms of artisic expression in Cayman
‘Rundown’ returns to the Harquail
18 March 2021 | Cayman Compass
After a self-imposed quarantine in 2020, due to the global pandemic, ‘Rundown’ has returned in 2021 to spread laughter, not COVID. Produced by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, Cayman’s most hilarious show is back for its 28th season with its usual laugh-out-loud mix of comedy, satire and songs about living life in Cayman, told through a collection of skits, monologues and music.
Rundown Returns to Spread Laughter, Not COVID!
17 March 2021 | Caymanian Times
After a self-imposed quarantine in 2020 due to a global pandemic, Rundown has returned in 2021 to spread laughter, not COVID. Produced by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), Cayman’s most hilarious comedy show is back for its 28th season with its usual laugh-out-loud mix of comedy, satire and songs about living life in Cayman told through a collection of skits, monologues and music. The show is rated PG.
Indonesian Media Coverage of Red Sky At Night
3 March 2021 | Radio Republik Indonesia
Indonesian Embassy, London: Indonesia’s art and cultural diversity has now received a recognition at the 9th annual festival ‘Red Sky at Night’ organized by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation which was held in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
At the event which took place on Saturday (27/2/2021), Indonesia won third place as “the Best International Showcase”.

Red Sky at Night – what a delight!
1 March 2021 | Caymanian Times
Red Sky at Night, on the grounds of the Harquail Theatre is unique on the Cayman culture calendar. Where else can you see expressions of just about every single facet of human creativity, from paintings, to dance to music, storytelling film and drama? Produced by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, Red Sky is an incredibly popular anchor event for Cayfest, the Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts.

Dress For Culture Day Marked
1 March 2021 | Caymanian Times
Civil Servants show support for the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) by participating in its annual Dress for Culture Day (Friday, 26 February 2021).
The CNCF is promoting the Day across the Cayman Islands to showcase the 135-plus nationalities on the three islands as well as to raise funds for CNCF’s programmes. These include its Youth Art programme, Gimistory, Rundown, Red Sky at Night and CayFest.
Cayfest celebrates arts and culture
19 February 2021 | Cayman Compass
There is no question that performers and entertainers have been hard hit by the pandemic. Stage productions, concerts and other shows were postponed or cancelled last year, leaving a void in the arts.
Thankfully, restrictions have now been relaxed significantly, giving beloved events the green light. Therefore, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation has announced that Cayfest 2021 will be happening on the weekend of 26 and 27 Feb.,

National Arts & Culture Awards recipients announced
17 February 2021 | Cayman Compass
Twelve of Cayman’s cultural practitioners and preservationists will be honoured for their contribution to the country’s arts and cultural legacy at the Cayman National Cultural Foundation’s 27th Annual National Arts and Culture Awards

Save The Date for Cayfest 2021
3 February 2021 | Caymanian Times
After a difficult year for the arts and culture community and the creative economy, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), organiser of Cayfest 2021, is looking forward to once again highlighting the cultural diversity and artistic talent that flourishes in Cayman.
Work Being Carried Out on Miss Lassie’s Home
1 September 2020 | Caymanian Times
Mind’s Eye, the historic home of Caymanian visionary artist Gladwyn “Miss Lassie” Bush, is currently undergoing some maintenance, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) has advised.

National Cultural Foundation to perform award-winning play on Radio Cayman
30 August 2020 | Cayman Compass
The Harquail Theatre will be coming live and direct into Cayman residents’ homes and cars this September and October when the Cayman National Cultural Foundation performs the award-winning play ‘De Honeymoon Over’ on Radio Cayman.
CNCF’s Dress For Culture Day Celebrates Cayman’s Diversity
7 March 2020 | Caymanian Times
Red Sky at Night delivers delights
1 March 2020 | Cayman Compass
Red Sky At Night Sets the Stage for an Explosion of Local Talent
25 February 2020 | Caymanian Times
26th Annual National Arts & Culture Awards Recipients Announced
13 February 2020 | Loop Cayman
Thought-Provoking Play to Make Cayman Debut at Red Sky At Night
7 February 2020 | Caymanian Times
CayFest 2020 to Showcase The Best of Cayman Culture
17 January 2020 | Caymanian Times
Winner of Gimistory Fish Fry Competition Announced
8 January 2020 | Caymanian Times
News Archive
2019 News
Nominations deadline extended for National Arts & Culture Awards
Cayman on world stage in Trinidad
Cayman culture on display in Trinidad
CNCF to preview Cayman’s CARIFESTA performances (CNS)
CNCF to preview Cayman’s CARIFESTA performances (Caymanian Times)
CARIFESTA acts highlighted at Harquail
Island Heritage’s Charity Drive is right around the corner
Cultural Foundation brings one man show to Cayman
Award-winning show coming to Cayman
Nations unite for Red Sky At Night
Red Sky At Night postponed to March 23
2018 News
CNCF to do Christmas Comedy Roadshow
Despite lackluster attendance CNCF delivers stirring performance in Moon on a Rainbow Shawl
Moon on a Rainbow Shawl’ at Harquail Theatre
CNS Local Life (24 August 2018) Folk Singers Celebrate Album Launch
Cayman 27 (21 August 2018) National Folk Singers and North Side Kitchen Band Launch Album
Cayman Compass (21 August 2018) ‘Come Back Home’ explores Cayman’s heritage
Cayman Compass (9 August 2018) Traditional Groups Release Album
Cayman News Service (1 August 2018) CNCF Releases Album of Local Fold Music
Cayman Compass (26 June 2018) Broadway designer’s art on display
Cayman Compass (14 June2018) John Gray Hosts First Annual Volunteer Fair
Cayman Compass (27 May 2018) Annual Charity Drive Begins Tuesday
Cayman Compass (7 May 2018) Kaaboo Offers Its Own Cayman Kindness
Cayman Now (26 April 2018) CNCF Rundown
Cayman Compass (19 April 2018) Rundown Returns For More Belly Laughs
Cayman Compass (4 March 2018) Red Sky At Night In Focus
Cayman Compass (25 February 2018) Cayman Dresses for Culture
Cayman News Service (22 February 2018) Time to Celebrate Cultural Diversity
Cayman Compass (21 February 2018) Public invited to take part in Dress for Culture Day
Cayman 27 (21 February 2018) CNCF Award Winner Stresses Importance of Arts and Culture
Cayman 27 (19 February 2018) National Art and Culture Awards Winners Announced
Cayman Compass (19 February 2018) Cayman Artists to Take Centre Stage at Harquail
Cayman 27 (19 February 2018) CNCF Talks Red Sky at Night
Cayman Compass (19 February 2018) Red Sky at Night Cultural Delight
Cayman 27 (16 February 2018) 6th Annual Red Sky is Back
Cayman News Service (9 February 2018) Cayman Set to Celebrate Art and Culture
2017 News
Gimistory Festival promises tales under night sky
Cultural Foundation seeks fish fry vendors for Gimistory
CARIFESTA Showcase highlights best of Cayman’s culture
Cayman’s top youth filmmakers showcase works
Rundown celebrates 25 years of shows
Cultural policy to protect local artists
Young Image Makers free five-day workshop
Cayman arts and culture shine at Red Sky At Night
2016 News
Tales told under night – Cayman Compass 24/11/2016
Gimistory coming to Bodden Town – Cayman Compass 23/11/2016
‘Collected Stories’ at Harquail – Cayman Compass 28/10/2016
Schools to receive arts and culture journal – Cayman Compass 09/10/2016
Young at Arts performers stage ‘Isabel’ – Cayman Compass 28/07/2016
Extra ‘Rundown’ performance to support cast member – Cayman Compass 03/06/2016
Run down to Harquail for comedy revue – Cayman Compass 16/05/2016
Auditions open for Summer Arts Intensive – Cayman Compass 13/05/2016
Cultural grants announced – Cayman Compass 24/04/2016
Competition to mark Harquail anniversary draws in youngsters – Cayman Compass 14/04/2016
Culture Honours for Sister Islands – Cayman Compass 01/03/2016
Cayfest 2016: Artistic Delights – Cayman Compass 19/02/2016
2015 News
‘Aunt Julia’ Hydes passes away at 106 – Cayman Compass 01/12/2015
CNCF’s 3 for 30 celebratory series ends – Cayman News Service 30/11/2015
Aunt Julia dies aged 106 – Cayman News Service 30/11/2015
Registration open for Intro to Filmmaking workshops – iEyenews 30/09/2015
Gimistory cancelled for 2015 – Cayman Compass 20/10/2015
The F.J. Harquail Centre: 30 years of making culture count – Cayman Compass 30/10/2015
Theatre fans in for a rare treat – Cayman Compass 30/10/2015
New members for folk singers – Cayman Compass 01/10/2015
Young filmmakers take in NY – Cayman News Service 23/09/2015
YIM winners return from NY film camp – Cayman 27 23/09/2015
CNCF seeks folk singers, musicians – Cayman 27 07/09/2015
Cayman Islands Folk Singers looking for new members – Cayman Compass 07/09/2015
National Arts & Culture Awards nominations – Cayman 27 07/09/2015
Cayman Islands on Carifesta XII – Caricom Today 30/08/2015
Children learn seafaring heritage at CNCF Summer Arts Camp – Cayman 27 25/08/2015
Artist nurtures his talent during Jersey residency – Cayman Compass 24/07/2015
CNCF internship programme – Cayman 27 23/07/2015
‘All Access’ goes behind the scenes… – Cayman Compass 10/07/2015
Miss Lassie’s House gets minor repairs – Cayman 27 11/07/2015
Deadline looms for Arts Grants Applications – Cayman 27 07/07/2015
Young Film makers on the red carpet – Cayman Compass 03/07/2015
YIM winners heading of to New York Film Academy – CITN 02/07/2015
Ideas for Summer teen activities – Cayman Compass 26/06/2015
Budding Directors will get to see their movies on a big screen – Daybreak 18/6/2015
Lights, camera action for Cayfilm Film Fest – Cayman Compass 19/06/2015
Cayman film festival ready for debut – Cayman Compass 05/06/2015
CNCF offers local artists grants – Cayman Reporter 05/06/15
Rundown flies up to the Brac with CAL – 01/06/2015
Cultural Foundation announces grant recipients – Cayman Compass 01/06/2015
Help for aspiring artists – Daybreak 03/06/2015
Public asked to pick favourite filmmaker – Cayman News Service 20/05/2015
YIM People’s Choice Now Open – CITN – 19/05/2015
Rundown lives up to its reputation – Cayman Compass 15/05/15
Rundown 2015: A chance to laugh at it all – Cayman Reporter 15/5/2015
YIM People’s Choice now open – Cayman 27 19/5/2015
It’s Young Image Makers voting time – Daybreak 13/05/2015
Rundown – A lighthearted look at life – What’s Hot Magazine 05/05/15
Rundown is back – Daybreak 6/05/15
The return of Rundown – Cayman Reporter 01/05/15
Festivals & Events: Rundown – CIDOT’s SOUL E-Magazine May 2015
CNCF seeks applications for Grants – 30/04/15
Appleby selects local charities – Cayman Compass 29/04/15
Rundown stirs issues – Cayman 27 27/04/15
CNCF Young at Arts Auditions coming up – Cayman 27 23/04/2015
CNCF celebrates Earth Day with tree planting – Cayman 27 22/4/2015
Raising funds for Folk Music – Cayman Reporter 03/04/15
Tiny-tots and grown ups dress for culture – CNS 02/04/15
Cayman to join international poetry celebrations – CNS 26/03/15
John Gray’s Recycled tree wins prize – Cayman Compass 25/03/15
Cayman to celebrate World Poetry Day – Cayman Reporter 20/3/2015
Appreciation for poets encouraged – Cayman Compass 20/3/15
CNCF celebrates world poetry day – Cayman 27 20/3/2015
Poetry Is An Island screening on World Poetry Day – Daybreak 17/3/2015
Cayman educators help launch television star’s rise to fame – Cayman Compass 6/3/15
Celebrating Cayman’s Culture with Cayfest – Cayman Compass 20/2/2015
Red Sky at Night tickets available now – Daybreak 19/2/2015
Dress For Culture Day To boost Youth Programmes – Cayman Compass 16/2/2015
A Special Tradition CNCF’s Dress For Culture Day – Cayman Reporter 11/2/2015
Young Image Makers Deadline extended – Cayman 27 09/02/15
CNCF encouraging students to decorate trees for Red Sky – Cayman 27 6/2/2015
Show pride by dressing in cultural attire – Cayman 27 27/01/15
Young Image Makers accepting registrants for competition – Daybreak 15/01/15
Calendar of Events: Cayfest & Mind’s Eye Tour – CIDOT’s SOUL E-Magazine January