The Chewstick Culture Hub Project

What is the Chewstick Culture Hub?

The Chewstick Foundation has grown from a bi-weekly open mic forum into Bermuda’s leading cultural and performing arts charity. Over the course of our evolution we have seen that in order to strengthen the creative arts industry in Bermuda it is essential to provide not only opportunities to perform but also a safe space to share ideas, collaborate and spotlight the wealth of talent, ingenuity and culture that Bermuda has to offer.

Accessibility
The Chewstick Culture Hub will be a place for the convergence of people from all walks of life and physical abilities. A vital part of our mission is to create and maintain a safe space where all people can come together to share, understand and feel empowered in order to enrich our community and collective consciousness. In line with this goal, The Hub will include the installation of access ramps throughout, as well as the construction of a bathroom made to accessibility specifications. Despite the increased cost of accessible fixtures and ramps we are committed to creating a fully accessible space, and providing the only fully accessible bathroom on Front Street.

Safe Space
In Bermuda there is the potential for alternative lifestyles as well as those of us who may be a bit more “mainstream” to feel like there is no place to be accepted and no place to truly express our feelings, thoughts and perspective. As a movement whose focus is on storytelling and creative expression, it is important that everyone has a voice and a platform that is conducive to sharing, and to create an environment conducive to truthfulness and authentic inter-personal and cultural growth. The Chewstick Culture Hub will be a safe space for all of Bermuda’s community by providing unique opportunities for Bermuda’s diverse and niche communities to converge, and grow an appreciative understanding of each other and the world.

Resource Centre
After 5 years at our Court Street home, and months of reflection since our move, we have refocused and regrouped to deliver the comprehensive solution that will be The Chewstick Culture Hub. A purpose built facility to better connect people with resources and opportunities, supporting their instinctive strengths, assets and expertise to empower the community.

Industry Development
Cultural and creative industries are undergoing considerable change as a result of increased digital technologies and a greater recognition of their potential contribution to the economy. The Chewstick Culture Hub will be a platform to connect creatives with each other and to use the latest innovations to make positive impact in lives and community toward making stronger: creative, tourism and entertainment industries.

We need your help to build it.
It requires a substantial amount of work and funding to bring this ambitious vision to reality. If you are willing and able to help, in any way, we need you now. Please get in touch, and get involved, by emailing info@chewstick.org, becoming a Member or making a donation, any amount will help and we truly appreciate your contribution.

Focusing on Culture Hub Completion in 2016

After much consideration, we regret to inform friends, supporters and the community that The Chewstick Foundation will not be producing Bermuda’s Good Friday KiteFest or Bermuda’s Annual BEACHFEST Emancipation Celebration in 2016, in order to focus our limited resources toward the completion of the, as yet unopened, Chewstick Culture Hub at 81 Front Street, in efforts to provide a more comprehensive community resource for Bermuda.

These events require significant manpower and investment: financially, administratively, and logistically, and unfortunately due to challenges with funding and capacity, we simply cannot do them. While it is unfortunate to forego these events this year, we hope this will put us in a stronger position to deliver improved and more sustainable community events for 2017 and beyond.

By focusing on The Culture Hub we can provide a safe space for learning, diverse convergence and positive interaction for Bermuda’s polarized community. This tool will create ongoing opportunities to heal age old wounds that stifle collective growth, and will help to fortify and strengthen Bermuda’s creative community. At this time we need to focus on doing all we can to get the doors of the new Culture Hub open. We appreciate understanding, during these challenging times and are grateful for your support over this past year and look forward to increased partnerships, success and vibrancy into the future. We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday and encourage people to participate in the season; whether it be flying kites in the neighborhood, joining in the festivities in St. David’s, or enjoying the natural atmosphere at Horseshoe Bay Beach”

We hope to return to Horseshoe Bay in 2017 with a revitalized Good Friday KiteFest and BEACHFEST, and aim to showcase both events as leading examples of Bermuda’s culture, history, entertainment and community.

If you are willing and able to help in the efforts to complete The Chewstick Culture Club, you are encouraged to get involved by calling 292 2439 or emailing info@chewstick.org.

Dept. of Community & Cultural Affairs’ Friday Night Live : Wall Street Band

If you enjoy great music and supporting live, local entertainers, don’t miss the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs’ “Friday Night Live” at The Chewstick Culture Hub! Fridays in February and March will feature local comedians and entertainers as part of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs‘ Uncover the Arts program, designed to encourage visitors and residents, to explore and discover a wide range of cultural adventures, eco excursions, the rich history, arts, culture and the architectural charm of Bermuda.

The series of events will kick off with a Local Comedy night hosted by Jah and featuring homegrown local comedians King Somner, Gina Love, Nadanja and Eddie G on February 12th and again on February 26th.

Doors will open at 7:00 p.m, comedians will perform between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. Enjoy a night out with friends to share a laugh while supporting local entertainment and culture in Bermuda.

Date:Friday, February 12 & 26, 2016
Event: Local Comedy hosted by Jah featuring Nadanja, King Somner, Eddie G. and Gina Davis
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: The Chewstick Foundation, 81 Front Street (next to Onion Jacks)

On February 19, Uncover the Arts will continue with a fun, soulful evening of music by The Big Chill Band. This is an opportunity to enjoy the fabulous sounds of Kassie Caines, Felix Tod, and Tony Brannon for free!

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m, The Wall Street Band will perform between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m.

Date:Friday, February 19, 2016

Event: Big Chill Band – Kassie, Tony B, DJ Felix
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: The Chewstick Foundation, 81 Front Street (next to Onion Jacks)

Then in March, The Wall Street Band will performing original tunes and musical dynamism, offering a diverse range of vocalists for each of the four Fridays that they’ll be at The Chewstick Culture Hub, 81 Front Street.
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m, The Wall Street Band will perform between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. Enjoy great company while listening to authentic Bermuda sounds and supporting culture and art in Bermuda.

Date:Fridays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25 2016
Event: Wall Street Band
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: The Chewstick Foundation, 81 Front Street (next to Onion Jacks)

Harvard Glee Clubs Return to Raise Funds for Chewstick Culture Hub Renovations

If you like fun, good music and a bit of healthy competition come through to The Chewstick Headquarters at 81 Front Street (between Onion Jack’s and Port o’Call) on Saturday, March 12th at 7pm; The Chewstick Foundation will be hosting a performance and Karaoke Battle featuring the Harvard Krokodiloes and Radcliffe Pitches. This is an event not to be missed as it is the chance to not only see the groups showcase their repertoire of original jazz songs acapella but to also take part in an evening that will move the Foundation forward in its renovation efforts.

The performance marks the fifth year that the Chewstick Foundation has been able to organize an event with a visiting acapella group from Harvard as an extension of their annual tour tradition to Bermuda as guests of the U.S. Consul General, a tradition that had been on going for over 50 years.

The Radcliffe Pitches continue their Champion’s reign for the third year in the Chewstick Karaoke Battle of the Sexes! The Krokodiloes are on task to finally take them down. Come out to give them some encourage or to make a bid for a song that will throw them off their game!
The Chewstick Foundation is happy that both groups will be featured this year and honoured by the tradition of being their first performance for the annual visits for the Kroks and Pitches. Following the groups’ repertoire of songs they’ll be put to the test in a “Kroks vs Pitches Karaoke Battle”. Audience members can make a donation to choose Karaoke songs for any volunteer from the Kroks or Pitches to perform.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear your favorite song in a battle between the men and women of Harvard at an event that is sure to be fun, unpredictable and memorable. The show will begin at 7pm with performances by the Harvard Krokodiloes and Radcliffe Pitches.