Nestled at 84 Archive Lane in George Town lies a blossoming arts district dedicated to bringing Caymanian culture and heritage alive through creative displays.
The inspiration behind the arts district came from local creative directors Jamie McLaughlin, Josh ‘Josh Pearl’ Hydes and Jake ‘Jake Cash’ Hydes, and Plus Givens, an international creative professional known for his contributions to hip-hop, visual arts and street culture.
“This is bigger than all of us. It’s not just us and not just for us; it’s a community. Our goal is to just be living inspirations whilst still learning from young people in the community. It’s greater than just a space for activations, events, but we are going to incorporate education,” Givens told the Cayman Compass.
The site, which already stands as Mutiny, a cultural hotspot for the islands’ streetwear clothing boutique, now features a large ‘living canvas’, which has been brought to life by international artists 1DER and Lordgyn from Miami.
‘Every stroke tells a story’
The duo has transformed the façade into a vivid portal of blue, representing the spirit of the Cayman Islands.
The group said the mural pays homage to the late Aunt Julia Hydes, a cultural icon whose voice and legacy continue to impact generations across Cayman.
“Standing beside her in full glory is ‘Oney,’ a proud rooster with only one leg — a symbol of resilience and love, who has found a home in the hearts of all who visit the compound,” the district’s founders said,
“Here, every stroke tells a story, every hue holds meaning, and every wall speaks to the heartbeat of a community.”
The arts district will also be a part of this year’s Cayman Art Week with a Rockers Ball exhibition on 23 May from 4pm -12am. The show starts that day at 9pm and will feature Cayman’s premier streetwear atelier and label, Mutiny, and Plus Givens.
The group said this is only the beginning.
“What’s been built so far is the foundation, not the finish line,” they said.
“With limitless skies reflected in the brushwork, this space dares to dream big, reminding us all that from community comes creation, and from unity comes limitless potential.”