Bermudian artists are taking to the streets of Hamilton for a month-long arts festival.

Adrian Kawaley-Lathan, Cultural Coordinator for the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, is organising the street-festival, titled "Culture Unwrapped".

"We are holding the festival to get Bermudians and young people especially reconnected with their heritage and culture," said Mr. Lathan. "This is a chance to expose both Bermudians and visitors to the local arts culture in Bermuda.

"When abroad in places like New York there are people performing in the streets all over the place.

"In Bermuda we are disconnected with this aspect of our culture and this event raises the value of arts in the public sphere and to question what directions and values we would like to encourage in our society."

Street performers or "buskers" are illegal in Bermuda, but Mr. Lathan has applied to Government to get a lift on that law for this month.

Artists who register at the Department for Community and Cultural Affairs can perform in one of three designated areas around Hamilton.

Nelly's Walk, Wesley Square and Par-la-Ville Park have been designated as areas artists can display their works and performers can show their talents. While the artists and performers are not allowed to outright solicit money, they can receive donations from the public.

Veteran musician Ron Lightbourne spoke to The Royal Gazette after playing his keyboard in Par-la-Ville Park.

"People have been coming up to me and thanking me all day for playing out here," he said. "It is such a pleasure to play and, on top of that, for people to show appreciation means a lot."

And local visual-artist Trevor Todd, who was yesterday displaying his paintings at Wesley Square, was happy to be given such an opportunity.

"This is a chance for locals and visitors to connect to the Island, its culture and its people.," he said. "Visitors especially may not be able to make it to one of the local galleries. This gives them a taste of the culture and art in Bermuda."

For a list of performers and artists taking part in the festival go to www.communityandculture.bm