A space intended for people to collaborate and work on creative projects was unveiled last week at CedarBridge Academy.

The first phase of the Makerspace project, a key initiative in the 2023 Throne Speech, was officially commissioned on Thursday by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

A government spokeswoman said the project was designed to provide local creatives — such as visual artists, musicians, dancers and performers — free access to spaces where they can hone their craft and collaborate.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, Lindsay Simmons, the government senator, and Kenneth Caesar, the principal of CedarBridge Academy, attended the event with a host of creators.

Mr Darrell said: “This is more than a space, it’s a promise kept to our creatives.

“The Makerspace is a work-in-progress, and this launch represents the first phase of an exciting journey.

“We’ve listened to our creative community, and today is just the beginning of what we plan to build together.

“We are investing in the immense talent on our island, creating opportunities for collaboration and providing a platform for expression.”

The spokeswoman said the facilities at CedarBridge Academy met the needs of the island’s vibrant creative community to work together.

In the 2023 Throne Speech, Rena Lalgie, the Governor, announced that the Government intended to use existing buildings to create venues for “new artistic offerings”.

She said at the time: “Following the launch of the Cultural Heritage Policy for Bermuda and as part of the consultation in which the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport has engaged, the concept of Makerspaces has been advanced and is to be embraced by the Government as an effective means by which to provide collaborative workspaces within existing buildings.

“These spaces will incorporate technology and tools to enable artists and creatives to hone their crafts, and will extend to musicians and actors, film-makers and other visual artists.

“Unused government buildings can provide the venue for new artistic offerings and the encouragement of artists of all ages.”

The Royal Gazette asked the Government whether there were still plans to put Makerspaces in unused buildings of whether CedarBridge Academy represented the only location for them.

Mr Darrell replied: “The Makerspace initiative is part of our broader commitment to supporting Bermuda’s creative community, and its implementation reflects both collaboration and practicality.

“When this concept was first announced, the idea of repurposing vacant buildings across the island was certainly explored.

“However, after evaluating the costs and timelines associated with renovating these spaces, it became clear that utilising available facilities at CedarBridge Academy offered the most efficient and cost-effective solution — particularly for this first phase.

“Our goal has always been to get these spaces open quickly so that creatives could begin using them as soon as possible.”

He added: “This is just phase one and there is much more to come.

“As part of Bermuda’s education reform, the Ministry of Education approached us to collaborate, as the development of Makerspaces aligns with their plans for the upcoming signature schools.

“This partnership has allowed us to move forward swiftly, with CedarBridge Academy providing an excellent location that required minimal renovation.”

Mr Darrell said: “It is important to emphasise that this is just the beginning.

“We’ve been listening to our creatives and their input will shape future phases.

“While CedarBridge serves as the launch site, additional spaces and opportunities will be considered as the initiative evolves.”

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