23 MAY 2025 | CAYMAN COMPASS | The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands was abuzz with energy and excitement Wednesday evening for the launch of the fifth annual edition of Cayman Art Week.

More than 200 art lovers, gallerists, artists, creatives, partners, sponsors and government officials gathered at the launch event to celebrate the kickoff of the platform, which this year features more than 100 artists and over 40 art events, open studios, art tours, pop-up exhibitions and extended hours at galleries across all three islands.

During the launch event, attendees indulged in snacks and cocktails, viewed the gallery’s three distinct exhibitions, and learned about this year’s art-filled schedule of events.

Cayman Art Week was born out of the COVID-19 lockdown and designed to stimulate the commercial art market by connecting collectors and potential buyers with local artists and gallery owners.

‘A total immersion’

Natalie Urquhart, director of the National Gallery, told attendees at the launch reception that Cayman Art Week is the week for “total art immersion and to get involved in the inspiring work being carried out by Cayman’s creative community”.

Born out of a desire to strategically develop a sustainable art market in the Cayman Islands, Urquhart said, “Cayman Art Week is about celebrating creativity and … is here to support the sale of art and to help venues and artists survive and thrive.”

With art on sale for every budget from well-established artists and up-and-coming talent, Urquhart encouraged attendees to “learn, explore, and consider growing your collection over the coming days. By continuing to support the growth of the art market, our hope is that more and more of Cayman’s creatives can sustain a career in the arts.”

During his remarks, Isaac Rankine, minister for culture and heritage, said, “Art is a powerful way to celebrate our culture, past and present, and to showcase it to those visiting our islands.”

He added, “Cayman Art Week plays an important role in stimulating the commercial art market, contributing to our local artists’ ability to pursue professional careers in the arts. It is also an inspiration to the next generation of creatives.”

‘Breadth and depth of creativity’

Having watched the growth of the event over the past five years, Cayman Art Week patron and National Gallery of the Cayman Islands chairperson Susan Olde said during her remarks, “I am continually amazed by the breadth and depth of creativity on display.”

A rather emotional Olde praised being mentored by several women who went before her, and congratulated Urquhart, “who has volunteered her time and energy to help address the pressures faced by our artistic community. Her solution was to provide a strategic platform that connects collectors, artists and venues, to support the growth of a healthy and sustainable art market.”

“It is a true honour to be part of the CAW growth,” Olde said, adding, the Cayman Art Week platform was the “missing link” for the local community and visitors in experiencing Caymanian art, “in an accessible and aligned way”.

Commenting on the gallery’s mission to promote, preserve and develop the visual arts in Cayman, Olde said, “Through the gallery’s work, and via our collaborations with organisations like Cayman Art Week, we weave together our cultural heritage and our artists’ forward-looking expressions of Cayman’s developing cultural identity.”

Schedule of events

Friday, 23 May, CAW Central

Presented in partnership with George Town Revitalisation, galleries will offer evening opening hours, with hop-on/hop-off bus tours of venues in George Town, including Guy Harvey Gallery, Claire at the Beach Studio, Ngara Galleries, 3 Girls and a Kiln, Art Nest Studio, Goodness, Tangled World II at Cricket Square, Kirkman Studios, Martlet Design, the Cayman Islands National Museum and a late-night party at Mutiny.

NEW: CAW Little Cayman Bike Around

Spend the afternoon cycling and exploring the art on display in Little Cayman for CAW25, including the Little Cayman Museum, which has an exhibition from the National Gallery’s collection, the Seahorse Boutique and the National Trust House where guest artist Debbi Truchan is exhibiting art, alongside a pop-up exhibition of flora and fauna-inspired art from the National Gallery’s collection.

Saturday, 24 May, CAW East

Curated bus tours will visit venues in the eastern districts, including Pure Art Gallery, Scott Swing Studio, Mind’s Eye Centre, pop-up exhibitions at Harbour Walk, the Visual Arts Society at Pedro St. James, Kay Smith Studio and Gram Bella’s. Tickets cost $10.

NEW: CAW Brac

A curated bus tour of venues in Cayman Brac will include Cayman Brac Heritage House, Nim Things, Gordon Solomon Gallery and Eldemire House/National Trust. CAW is also running a special tour for seniors in partnership with the Department of Family Services.

Sunday, 25 May

Open studios and art events.

The full schedule of events can be found on the CAW website events page.