A conference later this month will mark the launch of Bermuda’s national cultural heritage policy.

The Department of Culture will hold its first Bermuda Cultural Stakeholder Conference on May 16 on Zoom in what is expected to become an annual event.

The free event was designed to give the public the chance to talk to artists, people in creative fields, heritage organisations and cultural groups.

Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, said: “We want this to be an engaging experience and we welcome the views and feedback from our artists and creatives, and interested members of the community.”

The discussion will focus on the need to preserve Bermuda’s traditions and heritage, and will also highlight the importance of support for artists.

The summit is part of the department’s Heritage Month programme, which will also include a series of online activities.

The national cultural heritage policy was established to support and develop cultural institutions and preserve the island’s heritage, as well to give culture a prominent place in national development plans.

The ministry said it planned to create programmes to boost employment for the island's artists and custodians of tradition.

To register for the conference, visit http://bit.ly/bdaculture.