New Category : Culture

Minister Bowleg congratulates Grand Bahamians for keeping culture alive in spite of hardship

Tue, Mar 5th 2024, 09:44 AM

When it comes to the development of the Arts and Junkanoo, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg says Grand Bahama has consistently shown remarkable enthusiasm and commitment, boasting the highest number of entrants for the National Arts Festival and the Junior Junkanoo Parades year after year.

Before handing out close to one hundred awards to winners in both the 2023 National Arts Festival and the 2024 Junior Junkanoo parade, Minister Bowleg noted that through artistic endeavors young people gain valuable skills and experience that will serve them well in all aspects of life.

“Your active involvement not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of The Bahamas, but also reinforces the importance of the Arts in our society,” said Minister Bowleg, during an awards ceremony at Christ the King Church on Thursday, February 29, 2024. “The Arts play a key role in the development of our children and young people. They nurture creativity, critical thinking and self-expression, fostering holistic growth and personal fulfillment.

“This event not only celebrates the incredible and remarkable talent of our youth here in Grand Bahama, but also reminds us of the resilience and spirit of the people of Grand Bahama in the face of adversity.”

The Minister pointed out the fact that Grand Bahama has endured challenges posed by five major hurricanes in recent years. However, he added that in spite of the hardships and setbacks as a result of those storms, the people of a resilient community have demonstrated unwavering strength, unity and determination.

Referring to the strength of Grand Bahamians as truly inspiring, the Youth, Sports and Culture Minister said such strength was also a testament to the strong spirit of the Bahamian people.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the teachers, students and parents for their tireless dedication and hard work in preparing for this event,” added Mr. Bowleg.

“Your commitment to excellence and your passion for the Arts have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the National Arts Festival and the Junior Junkanoo program here in Grand Bahama. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the schools and community groups for their participation in both the National Arts Festival and the Junior Junkanoo Parade.”

Minister Bowleg extended his gratitude to all of the corporate sponsors and other government agencies for their generous support and commitment in helping to preserve Bahamian culture through these expressions of creativity.

Some of the major sponsors for the 2023 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival and the 2024 Junior Junkanoo Parade include the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Grand Bahama Power Company, Sanitation Services Ltd., University of the Bahamas Northern Campus, CIBC, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Education, City of Freeport Council, the Kiwanis Club of Freeport, the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Corporation and the National Junkanoo Committee.

“Your contributions are instrumental in ensuring that events like the National Arts Festival and Junior Junkanoo program continue to thrive, providing our youth with opportunities to showcase their talent and celebrate our cultural heritage,” Minister Bowleg told sponsors.

“Let us continue to embrace and celebrate the Arts, for they are not only sources of joy and inspiration, but they are also a powerful force for positive change and transformation in our society.

“Together, let us nurture the talents of our youth and build a future where creativity, culture and community will flourish.”

When it comes to the development of the Arts and Junkanoo, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg says Grand Bahama has consistently shown remarkable enthusiasm and commitment, boasting the highest number of entrants for the National Arts Festival and the Junior Junkanoo Parades year after year. Before handing out close to one hundred awards to winners in both the 2023 National Arts Festival and the 2024 Junior Junkanoo parade, Minister Bowleg noted that through artistic endeavors young people gain valuable skills and experience that will serve them well in all aspects of life. “Your active involvement not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of The Bahamas, but also reinforces the importance of the Arts in our society,” said Minister Bowleg, during an awards ceremony at Christ the King Church on Thursday, February 29, 2024. “The Arts play a key role in the development of our children and young people. They nurture creativity, critical thinking and self-expression, fostering holistic growth and personal fulfillment. “This event not only celebrates the incredible and remarkable talent of our youth here in Grand Bahama, but also reminds us of the resilience and spirit of the people of Grand Bahama in the face of adversity.” The Minister pointed out the fact that Grand Bahama has endured challenges posed by five major hurricanes in recent years. However, he added that in spite of the hardships and setbacks as a result of those storms, the people of a resilient community have demonstrated unwavering strength, unity and determination. Referring to the strength of Grand Bahamians as truly inspiring, the Youth, Sports and Culture Minister said such strength was also a testament to the strong spirit of the Bahamian people. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the teachers, students and parents for their tireless dedication and hard work in preparing for this event,” added Mr. Bowleg. “Your commitment to excellence and your passion for the Arts have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the National Arts Festival and the Junior Junkanoo program here in Grand Bahama. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the schools and community groups for their participation in both the National Arts Festival and the Junior Junkanoo Parade.” Minister Bowleg extended his gratitude to all of the corporate sponsors and other government agencies for their generous support and commitment in helping to preserve Bahamian culture through these expressions of creativity. Some of the major sponsors for the 2023 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival and the 2024 Junior Junkanoo Parade include the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Grand Bahama Port Authority, Grand Bahama Power Company, Sanitation Services Ltd., University of the Bahamas Northern Campus, CIBC, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Education, City of Freeport Council, the Kiwanis Club of Freeport, the Grand Bahama Junkanoo Corporation and the National Junkanoo Committee. “Your contributions are instrumental in ensuring that events like the National Arts Festival and Junior Junkanoo program continue to thrive, providing our youth with opportunities to showcase their talent and celebrate our cultural heritage,” Minister Bowleg told sponsors. “Let us continue to embrace and celebrate the Arts, for they are not only sources of joy and inspiration, but they are also a powerful force for positive change and transformation in our society. “Together, let us nurture the talents of our youth and build a future where creativity, culture and community will flourish.”

Creative Nassau helps to take Bahamian strawcraft to the world

Mon, Dec 4th 2023, 01:37 PM

Creative Nassau (CN), the non-profit organization was formed in 2004 and, in 2014 succeeded in obtaining the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities designation for the City of Nassau as a Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art. Now, CN has achieved another international milestone.

The organization’s continuing efforts to promote Bahamian strawcraft was recently given an enormous boost with the local industry’s inclusion in a new, internationally published book Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets written by a Briton, Veronica Main. One of the newest Heritage Crafts publications, this prestige volume was produced in partnership with Bloomsbury Press. Through a series of interviews and communications with Ms Main, CN was intimately involved in providing information and photos reflecting the straw tradition of The Bahamas and supplying contacts with tradition bearers such as Rosemary Brice.

Ms Main states in a release shared with Creative Nassau:

“Since the day I first looked at straw plait, I have been on a mission to make certain the skills are kept alive by documenting this once important industry that provided a living for so many families around the world. To finally see the book in print is my dream come true.

“My journey to collect information was given a tremendous boost when I discovered Creative Nassau online, and the President, Pam Burnside replied to my enquiry that reached her out of the blue. I can tell you that some people that I wrote to in other countries were not as interested in helping with my research!

“To find out about the work being carried out on the Bahamian islands and to have the help of Pam and the Vice President, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas in answering my many questions, was invaluable. For me to see the plaits being made on the islands and to know that those patterns were also being made in other countries around the world proved to me how interlinked all our stories are.

“The Bahamas has a rich history of straw plaiting and weaving that deserves greater understanding, and my book which is available in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia helps to spread that knowledge. I wish that I could have written more about straw work in The Bahamas, but at least this starts the process of sharing knowledge.

“The book contains history and comprehensive information about tools, processes, and most importantly, instructions for making more than 50 different patterns of plaits, each shown alongside their own unique story. My hope is that it will inspire people to get involved in straw plaiting which will ensure that these skills and makers’ stories survive for future generations.

“Besides thanking everyone within Creative Nassau along with Pam and Patricia, I also want to say how much I appreciated the help of Rosemary Brice, a most talented Long Island born straw plaiter, as well as the kindness of the wonderful artist K. Smith for permitting me to include one of his art works in the book, the most remarkable coloured pencil drawing of a Bahamian plaiter’s hands in action entitled “Miss Emily’s Eleven Strings.”

“What is my hope for all of you? That you can continue to encourage young people to see that these skills can bring them immense opportunities. You have something very special happening on your islands by keeping this rich tradition alive, and if I have helped you to promote this unique talent in any small way by including Bahamian straw plaiting in my publication, then that makes me very proud!” (Veronica Main, November 2023)

CN President Pam states: “Our relationship with Veronica is very special. We met online in October of 2021 and have since gotten on like a house on fire! It was such a pleasure for us to finally meet in person in London last October when she attended a keynote presentation I made on the Bahamian Strawcraft Industry at the Costume Institute of the African Diaspora’s second Biennial Dress Conference. We were absolutely thrilled and proud to be a part of this publication which contains eight references to Bahamian straw, including several full-page photographs! The publication has totally validated our urgency over these many years to make Bahamians recognize what a valuable role straw craft plays in our cultural and economic heritage. It is something that Bahamians have embraced and nurtured for centuries which we cannot afford to lose. We must ensure that it is protected and promoted as the strong economic engine that drove our country forward in years gone by, and can do so once again.”

CN VP Patricia stated: “It has been gratifying to see the genius and continuing industry of our people reflected in a major world publication. We of CN hope one day soon to get at least a measure of the official sponsorship that Ms Main achieved to continue to bring the social and economic importance of Bahamian strawcraft to wide recognition and appreciation at home and internationally. We are grateful to Veronica for providing this major impetus in that direction.”

Available for purchase on Amazon, Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets, has been described as “an engaging maker’s guide to the history and craft of straw plaiting brimming with 400 step-by-step diagrams”. The volume was launched in the United Kingdom and Australia earlier this year, followed by a North American launch in October 2023.

Veronica Main is acknowledged as the most experienced traditional straw plaiter in the UK. For more than 40 years she has rigorously researched the industries of the UK, Europe and the United States, unlocking information and learning how to recreate Plaits using authentic techniques. She was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list for Services to Straw Hat Plaiting and Endangered Craft.

Creative Nassau (CN), the non-profit organization was formed in 2004 and, in 2014 succeeded in obtaining the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities designation for the City of Nassau as a Creative City of Crafts & Folk Art. Now, CN has achieved another international milestone. The organization’s continuing efforts to promote Bahamian strawcraft was recently given an enormous boost with the local industry’s inclusion in a new, internationally published book Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets written by a Briton, Veronica Main. One of the newest Heritage Crafts publications, this prestige volume was produced in partnership with Bloomsbury Press. Through a series of interviews and communications with Ms Main, CN was intimately involved in providing information and photos reflecting the straw tradition of The Bahamas and supplying contacts with tradition bearers such as Rosemary Brice. Ms Main states in a release shared with Creative Nassau: “Since the day I first looked at straw plait, I have been on a mission to make certain the skills are kept alive by documenting this once important industry that provided a living for so many families around the world. To finally see the book in print is my dream come true. “My journey to collect information was given a tremendous boost when I discovered Creative Nassau online, and the President, Pam Burnside replied to my enquiry that reached her out of the blue. I can tell you that some people that I wrote to in other countries were not as interested in helping with my research! “To find out about the work being carried out on the Bahamian islands and to have the help of Pam and the Vice President, Patricia Glinton-Meicholas in answering my many questions, was invaluable. For me to see the plaits being made on the islands and to know that those patterns were also being made in other countries around the world proved to me how interlinked all our stories are. “The Bahamas has a rich history of straw plaiting and weaving that deserves greater understanding, and my book which is available in the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia helps to spread that knowledge. I wish that I could have written more about straw work in The Bahamas, but at least this starts the process of sharing knowledge. “The book contains history and comprehensive information about tools, processes, and most importantly, instructions for making more than 50 different patterns of plaits, each shown alongside their own unique story. My hope is that it will inspire people to get involved in straw plaiting which will ensure that these skills and makers’ stories survive for future generations. “Besides thanking everyone within Creative Nassau along with Pam and Patricia, I also want to say how much I appreciated the help of Rosemary Brice, a most talented Long Island born straw plaiter, as well as the kindness of the wonderful artist K. Smith for permitting me to include one of his art works in the book, the most remarkable coloured pencil drawing of a Bahamian plaiter’s hands in action entitled “Miss Emily’s Eleven Strings.” “What is my hope for all of you? That you can continue to encourage young people to see that these skills can bring them immense opportunities. You have something very special happening on your islands by keeping this rich tradition alive, and if I have helped you to promote this unique talent in any small way by including Bahamian straw plaiting in my publication, then that makes me very proud!” (Veronica Main, November 2023) CN President Pam states: “Our relationship with Veronica is very special. We met online in October of 2021 and have since gotten on like a house on fire! It was such a pleasure for us to finally meet in person in London last October when she attended a keynote presentation I made on the Bahamian Strawcraft Industry at the Costume Institute of the African Diaspora’s second Biennial Dress Conference. We were absolutely thrilled and proud to be a part of this publication which contains eight references to Bahamian straw, including several full-page photographs! The publication has totally validated our urgency over these many years to make Bahamians recognize what a valuable role straw craft plays in our cultural and economic heritage. It is something that Bahamians have embraced and nurtured for centuries which we cannot afford to lose. We must ensure that it is protected and promoted as the strong economic engine that drove our country forward in years gone by, and can do so once again.” CN VP Patricia stated: “It has been gratifying to see the genius and continuing industry of our people reflected in a major world publication. We of CN hope one day soon to get at least a measure of the official sponsorship that Ms Main achieved to continue to bring the social and economic importance of Bahamian strawcraft to wide recognition and appreciation at home and internationally. We are grateful to Veronica for providing this major impetus in that direction.” Available for purchase on Amazon, Straw Plaiting: Heritage Techniques for Hats, Trimmings, Bags and Baskets, has been described as “an engaging maker’s guide to the history and craft of straw plaiting brimming with 400 step-by-step diagrams”. The volume was launched in the United Kingdom and Australia earlier this year, followed by a North American launch in October 2023. Veronica Main is acknowledged as the most experienced traditional straw plaiter in the UK. For more than 40 years she has rigorously researched the industries of the UK, Europe and the United States, unlocking information and learning how to recreate Plaits using authentic techniques. She was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Year’s Honours list for Services to Straw Hat Plaiting and Endangered Craft.
International Culture, Wine & Food Festival has got next

International Culture, Wine & Food Festival has got next

Fri, Sep 29th 2023, 10:58 AM

International Culture, Wine & Food Festival (ICWFF) organizers are readying to stage the 26th annual International Culture, Wine & Food Festival with a salute to The Bahamas' 50th anniversary.

ICWFF will be held for the first time at historic Fort Charlotte, Stanley and D'Arcy, representing a footprint that spans more than an acre, and will comfortably and creatively house the festival, complete with amazing vistas.

Festival organizers hope the new venue will become the festival's forever home.

Patrons will be able to mill about the moat, explore hallowed chambers and event spaces on three levels which are expected to be decked out with Halloween and pirate themes.

Festival officials promise top-notch entertainment, with Bahamian artists mixing things up with international cultural performances for the October 21-22 event.

"ICWFF is the most dynamic event – moving to another new site, offering different payment options, skillfully managing stakeholder engagement, consistently attracting banner audiences and keeping them coming back, year-on-year," said Janet Johnson, ICWFF president.

A staple event on the fall calendar, this year's festival boasts longer hours - 11 a.m. -11 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Sunday with no change in admission fees which remains $10 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

Presenting co-sponsor, BTC will provide complimentary WiFi connectivity for all patrons and supporters.

Traditionally a cashless event, last year's ICWFF went fully digital. Kanoo Pays will again offer a digital solution, and festival dollars will also be in operation.

Keith Davies, Kanoo Pays CEO, said they look forward to working with the ICWFF team again this year as they focus on delivering a truly digital solution.

"Last year, there were a lot of people standing around in lines trying to convert cash to digital, so, we're looking to remove that type of stress from your festival experience, by encouraging people to download the Kanoo app and load their wallets ahead of the festival so they can just come and focus on having a great time when they arrive," said Davies.

Final Night of Goombay Summer Festival 2023

Fri, Sep 1st 2023, 09:34 AM

Final night of Goombay Summer Festival 2023, downtown, Nassau, on Saturday, August 26.