Twenty five years ago, on October 14, 1984, the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard was officially opened by HRH Princess Margaret. That was the culmination of a lot of work on the part of a few individuals. Following is a brief history of how this organisation became a reality.

The underlying reasons for its eventual establishment goes back to the early 1970s, when a number of young Bermudian artists returned home and found the local art scene ultra-conservative and reactionary. I was one of them, so I was right in the thick of it. I remember saying that if we are to live in this place the art scene has to change, but the response to our enthusiasm by the only arts organisation on the Island at that time, the Bermuda Society of Arts, was anything but positive.

In 1971, sculptor, Desmond Fountain and I rented a disused chapel in Flatts as an art studio. Once a week we had an open house, when artists were welcome to meet and work with us, often with a model provided. This became the meeting place for younger artists who, besides creating art, used the time to plan and plot for change.

The discussions that took place, centred around the need for a better, more responsive place to exhibit, but also for more imaginative exhibitions. We also realised that there were collections of world class art on the Island and thus we hoped that once such an organisation was established, that occasionally some of these collectors might be persuaded to allow their treasure to be exhibited. Out of these discussions, about 10 years later, the Arts Centre came into existence. The small group of individuals who were ultimately responsible for the research and planning of the BAC were Emma Ingham Dounouk, David Mitchell, Colin Campbell, Paul Doughty and myself. Emma took on the role of director. Additionally, without the support of J.C. (Kit) Astwood, then chairman of the West End Development Corporation, it is unlikely the Art Centre would have become a reality.

The Arts Centre became known for holding varied and well designed exhibitions. For example, there was an annual craft exhibition whereby the best craftspersons in Bermuda could exhibit their creations in a supportive environment. All the exhibitions were either juried by qualified individuals or curated. This ensured quality shows. Additionally, five art studios became available to artists, at very modest cost. This was a first for Bermuda. The general public's response was incredibly encouraging.

The establishment of the Bermuda Arts Centre was, however, only a beginning. Indeed, it was the catalyst for the development of the Bermuda National Gallery and indirectly other arts organisations, such as the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. The effect of this breakaway organization in 1984, is still reverberating through the Bermuda community. Since 1984, the development of the arts in Bermuda has "mushroomed" beyond what any of us, at that time could have imagined. Today, the Bermuda Arts Centre continues to provide exhibitions and studio spaces for Bermuda's artists.

When I stop to think about the excitement The Arts Centre generated at its beginning, it is difficult to realise that so much time has passed by and that today it is part of the art establishment. I know that over the years, it has had its ups and downs, but it seems to have weathered its difficulties quite well. With often two ships docking at Dockyard these days, the Arts Centre is in a unique position for representing local arts. I see a bright future for the Arts Centre. For some it may seem somewhat isolated, out at the West End, however, it is an institution worthy of our support.

Happy birthday, Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard.