Six Bermudians “who have inspired so many of us with their artistic creativity and passion”, through the arts were honoured at the Bermuda Arts Council (BAC) Annual Awards on Sunday (Feb 20).

The event was streamed virtually and online from the Earl Cameron Theatre at City Hall.

Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr Ernest Peets told guests: “This occasion is particularly poignant because the arts haves suffered tremendously during the last two years of the pandemic.

“So it’s wonderful that we can come together to recognise and highlight the importance of art in all its forms during this ceremony.”

Photo Courtesy Dept of Communication – Mark Tatem

The Minister also extended heartfelt greetings, expressing his “appreciation and well wishes to the Bermuda Arts Council for their commitment to ensuring that this event took place this year”.

“Today (Sun) we’re here to celebrate the recipients of the annual Bermuda Arts Council Awards.

“These are individuals who have made significant contributions to Bermuda’s artistic and cultural landscape over the years,” he added.

“Since the inception of these awards, we have paid tribute to more than 150 individuals in our community who havededicated their lives to shaping and preserving our artisticand cultural heritage.”

They are:

• The late Ted Ming, who will posthumously receive the Founder’s Award. As the former group leader and lead vocalist of the Bermuda Strollers, Ted Ming was a true ambassador for Bermuda Tourism and a pioneer andvisionary in his field.

• Major Kenneth (Toki) Dill, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his immense contributions as a former Bermuda Regiment Bandmaster and music teacher.

• Marjorie Pettit, who is also receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for her renowned work as Choral Director of the Bermuda Chamber Choir and Orchestra, and the Youth Choir for Bermuda School of Music. She received the award for services to music over a 55-year career.

• Paul and Penelope Leseur, who will receive the Patron Award, for their very generous support of arts in Bermuda; and

• Daren A Herbert, a rising star, who will receive the prestigious Earl Cameron Award for his critically acclaimed career as a theatre, stage and film actor.

“All those being honoured have much to be proud of,for they have truly left their mark on our Island,” said Dr Peets.

“They are six deserving Bermudians who have inspired so many of us with their artistic creativity and passion.

“Each of our distinguished recipients has in one way oranother shaped our community with their creativity,commitment and passion, and we are forever grateful fortheir contributions to Bermuda.

Feature Photos Of Event Courtesy of the Department of Communications – Mark Tatem