Second phase of Airport showcases more Bahamian artwork

Wed, Oct 17th 2012, 01:27 PM

About Bahamians Art

The brand new international arrivals terminal of the Lynden Pindling International Airport officially opened last night in grand fashion with speeches by Bahamian Prime Minister, the Honourable Perry Christie, and other dignitaries who were entertained by performances by the Bahamas National Youth Choir and the Bahamas Defense Force Pop Band.

Air passengers arriving from around the world got their first taste of the state-of-the-art designed building early Tuesday morning amidst workmen still making the final touches to the building and the grounds in preparation for the opening celebrations last night. Thorough and systematic security sweeps of the entire premises were carried out Monday morning ensuring the safety of staff and visitors moving through the new international arrivals building.

The entire Airport project, run by Nassau Airport Development (NAD) and which opened its first phase in 2011, is an homage to a Bahamian sense of place, culture and artistic expression. The designers and planners of the Airport project were committed to giving considerable space and resources to the presentation and exposure of Bahamian artwork which was evidenced by an organized and professional Call for Works process which garnered over 200 proposals from Bahamian artists – all for 13 coveted spaces within the Airport building and grounds.

Additionally, from its inception, NAD has partnered with the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas where they have given the Gallery autonomy over various booth spaces throughout the Airport to feature a rotating schedule of original Bahamian artwork ranging from ceramics to wood pieces to sculptures.

In the first phase opening in 2011, permanent installations of artwork by artists Sue Katz Lightbourn, Nicole Sweeting, John Beadle and John Cox were unveiled.

Last night's opening showcased 6 new stunning permanent art installations by artists Max Taylor, Melissa Maura, Imogene Walkine, Keisha Oliver and Jolyon Smith, the latter having been awarded two art commissions.

One artist commented, "Bahamian artists have been incredibly encouraged and validated by the Airport's focused commitment to Bahamian art and artists. We have been treated as the professionals we are from the very beginning straight through the entire process resulting in each installation being stunning pieces of art of world class quality that were all delivered and put in place on time.

"What NAD has done should encourage other corporate entities to look to The Bahamas' community of professional artists with assurance and confidence that whatever they need creatively or aesthetically can be produced right here at home."