New grant created in honour of Morgan DaCosta

A new annual grant for theatre professionals in Cayman has been announced in memory of Morgan DaCosta, who passed away on 29 Sept. 2024 at the age of 57.

DaCosta was a former board member of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, and local arts and culture advocate.

The Morgan DaCosta Award of Excellence Grant, announced during a tribute event held last month, is funded by the Bould Foundation.

The grant is “dedicated to supporting actors, theatre performers, directors, writers, stage managers, and other theatre professionals in the Cayman Islands, fostering the development and production of local theatrical works”, according to the CNCF.

In 1997, DaCosta joined the CNCF board, serving in a number of key roles – treasurer, deputy chairman, and chairman of the grants and awards committee. He was a regular performer in the popular comedy revue ‘Rundown’ from 1995-2008.

He served as chairperson for the Native Sons arts collective and was president of the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce in 2006. DaCosta was also a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour recipient, recognised for contributions to preserving Caymanian culture.

The grant, which will include a US$5,000 bursary, will be awarded “annually to a deserving theatre professional through CNCF’s established Grants for the Arts structure.

“Donations like the Bould Foundation’s generous endowment allow us to extend our reach, providing greater access to funding, mentorship and professional development for emerging and established artists alike.

“Funding for the Grants for the Arts allows the foundation to bridge gaps in resources, ensuring that more creatives have the opportunity to develop, showcase and sustain their artistic work within our community and beyond.”

This grant will support the foundation’s goals, CNCF said, noting, “this initiative aligns seamlessly with CNCF’s mission to stimulate, facilitate, and preserve cultural and artistic expression, particularly the preservation and exploration of Caymanian performing, visual and literary arts”.

CNCF added the initiative not only “commemorates Mr. DaCosta’s enduring legacy but also reinforces CNCF’s commitment to nurturing Caymanian cultural and artistic expression for future generations”.