The Chewstick Foundation: Empowering Bermuda's Creative Spirit
The Chewstick Foundation, established in 2003 by Gavin "Djata" Smith, is a prominent non-profit cultural arts movement in Bermuda. Its mission is to empower storytelling, creative expression, and social justice to enrich youth, arts, culture, and community. The organization's dedication to empowering individuals through the arts has left an indelible mark on Bermuda's cultural and social fabric, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for creative expression that continues to inspire and unite.​​
From Grassroots to Cultural Powerhouse

1

2003
Gavin "Djata" Smith establishes Chewstick as an open-mic jam session.

TheRoyalGazette

Chewstick Foundation celebrates anniversary

The Chewstick Foundation will celebrate its 15-year anniversary tonight. Gavin Smith, executive director, said there was no way of predicting what the charity would become when it was founded. Mr Sm...

2

2011
Increased involvement in community events like the End to End walk.

TheRoyalGazette

Chewstick Foundation increases its End to End involvement, urges young people to join in

The End to End walk is just the beginning according to Tiffany Paynter, the Youth Programme Co-ordinator for the Chewstick Foundation. She and Gavin Smith are urging Bermuda's young people to kick in ...

3

2014
Expansion of programs including the Ital Clarke Learning Studio and Break The Chains Programme.

TheRoyalGazette

Chewstick Foundation gets helping hand from Argus

The Chewstick Foundation has received a financial boost from the Argus Group to help continue their educational and cultural programmes. An Argus Group spokeswoman said the donation had gone towards e...

4

2016
Fire destroys Front Street headquarters; community rallies to support rebuilding efforts.

TheRoyalGazette

Chewstick to ‘rise from ashes’

The Chewstick Foundation has said its future will depend on the support of the community as it launches a robust fundraising campaign to recoup some of the losses incurred by last Thursday’s fire. Mo...

Empowering Youth Through Arts
Open-Mic Sessions
Regular events providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents.

TheRoyalGazette

Young talents spread the word on international stage

Seven of the Island’s promising young artists are today representing Bermuda at a US festival billed as bringing together “500 of the most outspoken and talented young artists”. Courtesy of the Chewst...

Break The Chains Programme
Poetry and spoken word clubs in schools, fostering creative expression among youth.
Through programs like the Break The Chains Youth Poetry and Spoken Word Programme, Chewstick has provided platforms for young artists to develop their skills and gain international exposure. In 2014, a team of young poets represented Bermuda at the International Brave New Voices Poetry and Spoken Word Festival in Philadelphia.
International Exposure
Young poets representing Bermuda at global events like the Brave New Voices Festival.
The Foundation has organized numerous events, including open-mic sessions, concerts, and art exhibitions, fostering a vibrant arts scene and encouraging creative expression within the community.
Community Impact and Cultural Enrichment
Cultural Events
Organizing concerts, art exhibitions, and open-mic sessions to foster a vibrant arts scene in Bermuda.
Chewstick Open Mic Session
Breaking Barriers
Creating inclusive spaces for artistic expression, promoting unity among Bermuda's diverse population.

TheRoyalGazette

Why Bermuda needs Chewstick

It’s never just been a venue for music, poetry readings and the visual and performing arts. Far from it. Since its inception the Chewstick Foundation has always been both a cultural hub and a thrivin...

Skills Development
Offering programs like the Ital Clarke Learning Studio to teach engineering and creative skills to young people.
Preparing the next generation
Key Figures Driving Chewstick's Success
Gavin "Djata" Smith
Founder and Executive Director, whose vision has guided Chewstick's growth and resilience over the years.
Deidra-Lee Bean
Operations Manager, instrumental in organizing events and managing the Foundation's impactful programs.
The Chewstick Foundation's dedication to empowering individuals through the arts has left an indelible mark on Bermuda's cultural and social fabric, fostering a sense of community and providing a platform for creative expression that continues to inspire and unite.
About Us