The Bermuda Arts Council (BAC), under the Department of Culture, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Student Grants, awarded annually to support Bermudian students pursuing advanced studies in the arts.
This year, the Council awarded one $10,000 grant and two $5,000 grants to three talented Bermudians committed to developing their craft and contributing to Bermuda’s cultural landscape.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, MP, stated: “Funding arts education is an investment in Bermuda’s future. The creativity, discipline, and confidence that come from artistic study strengthen every part of our society. I’m proud that through the Bermuda Arts Council, we continue to support the next generation of Bermudian artists who will tell our stories and shape our cultural legacy.”
Nicole Smith was awarded $10,000 to support her undergraduate studies at Nottingham Trent University this autumn, pursuing a BA (Hons) in Creative Direction and Curation for Fashion. A Bermuda College graduate with distinction and President’s List honours, Nicole’s portfolio demonstrates a passion for sustainability, fashion, and creative innovation. In her personal statement, Nicole reflected on her dream of “using art as a means to inspire sustainable change,” noting that her studies will allow her to combine creativity with advocacy for environmental and social issues.
Keimya Rayne Smith, a recent graduate of The Berkeley Institute, will receive a $5,000 grant toward her studies at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts. Keimya has already made her mark on Bermuda’s performing arts community through her long-time leadership with United Dance Productions and her performances with Troika. She has studied under notable coaches including Joy Barnum and Tsilala Brock, and has been recognised as an Outstanding Teen nominee in Performing Arts. In her essay, Keimya wrote, “After completing my studies, my goal is to eventually return home and share what I’ve learned. I plan to teach community classes in dance, singing, and acting, making the arts more accessible to young Bermudians regardless of their financial background.”
Daisy Mapes Gould has been awarded a $5,000 grant as she embarks on her PhD in the History of Art at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Daisy’s extensive professional experience includes curatorial work with the Serpentine Gallery, Tate Britain, and Turner Contemporary. Her MA dissertation at Goldsmiths was shortlisted for the Association for Art History’s Postgraduate Dissertation Prize, and she is currently curating a major exhibition on Bermudian sculptor Bill Ming at the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. In her written statement, Daisy emphasised her commitment to Bermuda, writing: “We are at a pivotal moment in Bermudian art and cultural history, one that demands research and documentation to cement this period of transformation within our cultural canon.”
Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council, Shanna Hollis, congratulated the recipients, stating: “We are honoured to support these three applicants as they each demonstrate a strong voice, clear vision, and aspiration towards contributing to the future of our island. It is important to recognize and nurture the creative talent on our island as it ensures the safety of our culture, traditions, values, and stories. The arts, including visual, performance, and literature has such a strong impact of the moral, and heartbeat of our island.”
The Bermuda Arts Council Student Grants provides financial assistance to Bermudian students enrolled in accredited arts programmes. By supporting the next generation of artists, performers, and cultural leaders, the Council reaffirms its mission to strengthen Bermuda’s creative identity both locally and internationally.
To learn more about BAC grants, please visit www.artscouncil.bm.