Art Space

Art Space was conceived to promote the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands’ long-term project of constructing a new, permanent home for its collection, exhibition galleries and associated operations and programmes. Spearheaded by the efforts of NGCI board members and successive directors, this ambitious project was ultimately realised with the opening of the National Gallery’s new facility on Esterly Tibbetts Highway in 2012. In 2008, while NGCI was in the midst of planning and fundraising for its new site, the public was invited to follow the project’s ongoing development through an exhibition of drawings, photographs, and original models by Caymanian architect Danny Owens. Selections from the National Collection accompanied this display, alongside information, artworks, and images from the Gallery’s vibrant and expanding education and outreach departments.

During this time, NGCI’s collection comprised approximately 90 works in various media, which together formed part of the larger National Collection preserved by the Cayman Islands National Museum, Cayman National Cultural Foundation, and the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. The focus of this collection was based upon the National Gallery’s mandate to preserve and protect artworks of historical and cultural significance. This collection continues to grow to this day, and is comprised of core quality Caymanian artworks, including works by Bendel Hydes, Gladwyn K. “Miss Lassie” Bush, and members of the Native Sons artist collective. Art Space gave the public greater insight into the development of a cultural icon – the National Gallery and its many programmes – and provided the opportunity to consider how vital the arts are to a healthy community.