Six people will be honoured for their contributions to the arts at an awards ceremony this evening, the Bermuda Arts Council said.

The free event will be held at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at CedarBridge Academy from 6pm to 8pm.

The council said Edwin Smith and David Knight, who will be honoured posthumously, will be recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

It added: "This award is presented to those persons who are respected in their art form, and who have created a significant body of original work that is representative of the Bermudian spirit.”

Dwayne Julian Carter Paynter and Gavin Djata Smith will be honoured with the Founder Award “for being pioneers in their respective art form”.

The council said: “This award is given to artists who have been mentors/role models for their fellow artists and the generations to follow.”

Dame Jennifer Smith, a former premier, will receive the Patron Award.

The Arts Council said the award is given to people “who have been benefactors to the Bermuda arts community”.

It added: “The award signifies the appreciation of the Bermudian community.”

Actress Lana Young will be honoured with the Earl Cameron Award “for her standout stage and television performances on an international stage, as a nominee for Most Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture for A Jazzman’s Blues”.

The council said the prize, which was introduced in 2019 and named in honour of Bermuda’s distinguished son Earlston J. Cameron, CBE, “recognises expertise and vision”.

Described as an “occasional award”, the organisation said the prize is usually “presented to a Bermudian professional in early-or mid-career who has demonstrated exceptional passion, commitment and talent in the field of theatre, cinematography, film or video production”.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said: “To all our awardees, thank you for your invaluable contributions and for continuing to inspire and lead within our community.

“Your work enhances our cultural landscape and ensures that the arts remain a vibrant part of our national identity.”

He added: “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend heartfelt congratulations to each of you.

“We remain committed to supporting and celebrating the arts and recognising their vital role in our society. “

Shanna Hollis, the Arts Council’s chairwoman, said: “The vibrant cultural landscape of Bermuda is a testament to the sheer passion and artistic talent of its people.”

She added: “Our island community is home to a diverse array of creative individuals who pursue their dreams with energy and hard work, knowing that they are supported by the community around them.”

Recipients of the Arts Council’s 2023 grants will also be celebrated at the event. Support was awarded in the individual, organisational and student categories.

Ms Hollis said: “The Bermuda Arts Council plays a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting artistic expression by providing vital support and resources to local artists, empowering them to pursue their passions and enriching the community with diverse perspectives and the preservation of our cultural heritage.”

Through its efforts, she said the council was “able to celebrate and appreciate the unique talent of our artists, contributing significantly to the island's identity, economy, and overall wellbeing”.

The council said 27 artists received individual grants, nine entities received organisational grants, while two people received student grants.

The individual grants totalled $54,200 while the organisational grants totalled $46,000.

Anyone interested in the work of the Bermuda Arts Council can visit culture.bm for more information or to download a grant application form.

Updates are also provided on its social media accounts.