Arts and culture can be leveraged to move the island forward, according to Lauren Merkel.

Ms Merkel, a senior consultant with Lord Cultural Resources which has offices in New York and Toronto, said that Bermudian arts and culture could be a vital resource for the community, bringing about a positive impact.

“We just came from the World Heritage Centre and what the director said is the greatest asset to Bermuda is its people,” she said.

“I’ve been here only a short while, but it really does seem to be the case. Based on what I have seen and read, there is a lot of potential here and a lot of opportunities.”

In partnership with the Bermuda National Gallery, Ms Merkel is this evening set to lead a presentation at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, entitled “The Value of Art & Culture”, focusing on how culture and the arts can help a community.

Over the last 35 years, the LCR has completed more than 2,000 projects in more than 57 countries.

Speaking yesterday, she said that museums, cities and governments could utilise the “soft power” of the arts to address pressing issues. She noted Chicago, where LCR was tasked with creating a cultural plan in 2012 to help develop the city as a destination for creativity and cultural tourism

“Around 98 per cent of the initiatives we recommended were implemented,” she said. “Last year their architectural biennial doubled the attendance of Venice Architecture Biennale.”

As part of the presentation she said participants would be asked to collaborate, speaking discussing how Bermuda’s unique culture can be used to foster inclusion and advance the island as a whole.

“We are going to speak about defining culture and gaining some experience from places around the world that are inspirational and relevant in Bermuda,” she said.

“People should come because it’s an opportunity to see examples from around the world that could be applied to Bermuda, and it’s an opportunity to meet with people from different sectors. It’s a chance to meet new people and be inspired by success stories.”

The free presentation will be held at the Tradewinds Auditorium with registration and light refreshments beginning at 6pm. RSVP by calling 295-9428 or e-mailing director@bng.bm.