Bermuda culture is to be showcased at a prestigious show in America next year.

Twenty six researchers are now hard at work looking over Bermuda topics including the building arts, maritime practices, food and music.

The Island will share sharing the exhibit at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival with New York City and area dedicated to building restoration at Washington's national mall from June 27 to July 8.

Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister said: "It's a celebration of culture.'' "It really puts Bermuda in a very, very good light.'' The Island's economic base will also be highlighted and the white, black and Portuguese community all get a slot.

"In January, we will start the process of sifting and reducing the amount we have into manageable parts,'' said Mr. Lister.

In February the final selection of around 120 Bermudian representatives will begin.

Those chosen will have to have excellent social skills as well as be amongst the best of their craft as they will be expected to give demonstrations to the public.

In an area the size of two football fields around a million visitors will see the best of Bermuda's living craft.

Bermuda Programme Coordinator Jackie Aubrey said: "It's not a talent show or a trade show or a show about history -- it's a show about living culture.

"People will be making gombey costumes rather than seeing gombeys dance around.

"It's interactive -- that's a big part of it. You could be the best at your craft but if you are shy or withdrawn? There needs to be a balance.

"Someone who is very good at what they do and someone who can talk about it and take an interest in people is what we are after -- there are lots of those in Bermuda.

"Our area will be a lush planted area with real plants and trees representing our horticultural and agricultural aspects of Bermuda.

"And the area will be densely populated -- just like Bermuda.'' Cup Match will be recreated by the Somerset and St. George's Cricket Clubs and it is hoped local enthusiasts might also be tempted to play.

"There are a lot of East Indians in that area who love to play cricket,'' said Ms. Aubrey.

The active theme is continued just outside the mall where fitted dinghy racing is planned in the Potomac river while inside seagull boats will be built.

"Logistically it will be very interesting,'' said Ms. Aubrey. "The Smithsonian people need minute details of every bit of equipment and the space they need.

"Bermuda Container Line are sponsoring the shipping of the show by the Oleander .'' Bermuda Container Line President Geoffrey Smith said it was too early to say how the task would be handled as exhibits had yet to be finalised.

He said: "There is talk of taking some Bermuda stone over to build a moongate -- because that is delicate it may take some special handling.

"We may have to bring it back because there is not a lot of stone left in Bermuda.'' Mr. Lister added: "I think Bermudians will be pleasantly surprised about the tale that gets told in Washington.

"It's been said for so long that we have no history, we have no culture, we have no identity.

"But the head researcher from the Smithsonian whenever she's in Bermuda she comes to my office and I ask if she has enough information and she always says we have more than enough information.

"We will also look at Bermuda's business history because Bermuda is one of the first places to do colony cottages like Cambridge Beaches.

"We will talk about how we have developed our economic base from agriculture to seafaring to tourism and now into international business.'' "It's an effort which pulls all of the sections of the community together in order to successfully do.

"We have been very pleased with the way people have come forward and been able to tell the tale.'' People wanting the chance to get involved can call Jackie Aubrey on 292 1681.