Our New Art and Design Centre
Reimagining Artistic Innovation in Bermuda with a Second Building and Expanded Vision
We are delighted to announce a groundbreaking expansion with the development of a second location in the Botanical Gardens. The new arts and design centre, to be housed in the restored Former Parks Department Headquarters, will serve artists and art enthusiasts at all levels, and will provide a hub for artistic innovation on the island.
With our commitment to enriching Bermuda’s cultural landscape, we will offer classes, lectures, workshops, technical support, and studio space for working artists at any level of their career. Central to the programme is a special focus on providing access to fine and applied arts to Bermuda’s youth, with a scholarship component. Masterworks’ expanded vision aims to foster creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement, making a transformational impact on the local arts landscape.
Key Highlights of the Expansion:
Expanded Vision: We will be able to focus on hands-on education in the fine, applied, and media arts for all ages. The renovated building will enable the Museum to triple its current arts education programming and serve as a creative hub for students, artists, and educators.
Renovation of the Former Parks Department Headquarters: A cultural landmark with a rich heritage in the Botanical Gardens, the renovated historical building will integrate modern facilities to create artist studios, fine arts classrooms, an arts technology and media room, and an inspiring space for artistic expression.
Community Engagement Programmes: As part of the expansion, the new art and design centre will introduce a series of programmes designed to serve the needs of students and working artists. With this new space and expanded programming, Masterworks will be able to deepen our partnerships with local schools, not-for-profit organisations and government programmes that address youth development and mental health.
Masterworks invites the community, cultural stakeholders, and art enthusiasts to join in celebrating this reimagining of artistic offerings in Bermuda. The art and design centre is poised to become a dynamic hub for creativity, collaboration, and artistic exchange.
If interested in learning more, please reach out to Executive Director, Risa Hunter at risa@masterworksbermuda.org or at 441-299-4008. And please watch this space for more updates on the progress of the building development and campaign.
Video provided by CITV
The History
Built in 1898, the Grade 3 Listed Building was originally intended as temporary living quarters for George Arthur Bishop. Bishop was designated the first superintendent responsible for overseeing the public gardens and their intended purpose of agriculture and horticulture. In 1904, the position was taken over by Thomas James Harris, previously from Jamaica’s Hope Royal Botanic Gardens. After Harris’ resignation in 1912, the Board of Agriculture raised the position to Director and the Public Garden became known as the Agricultural Station. Ernest Albert McCallan was the first Bermudian Director of Agriculture, and he lived in the house from 1920 until he resigned in 1934. Dr Idwal Wyn Hughes served as Director from 1975 to 1990 and he and his family were the last residents of the house during that time. In 1990, the house was reinvented as an office building for the Parks Department staff. The building has been vacant since 2018, but its 125-year existence is evidence of a strong foundation, and its revitalization will bring to it a new purpose and continuation of life.
Photograph and information from the above paragraph is accredited to a Bermuda National Trust record written by Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, part of a series of architectural articles titled “Built Heritage.”
