New Category : Art

UB Art and Music Students to Benefit from a $100K Scholarship Award Established by Cordell Broadus Jr. and the Tezos Foundation

Mon, Mar 11th 2024, 12:52 PM

Nearly one year ago, Cordell Broadus, son of legendary American rapper Snoop Dogg, stood before hundreds of University of The Bahamas (UB) freshmen and declared his interest in financially supporting the talented artists and musicians among them. Some seven months later, Mr. Broadus made good on that promise by generously donating $100,000 to the University to support the creative arts at UB. 

On Thursday, 7th March, UB executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mr. Broadus a.k.a “Champ Medici” and the Tezos Foundation in the RBC Auditorium of the Franklyn Wilson Graduate Centre for the establishment of the Champ Medici Arts Fund (CMAF) Scholarship Award. The CMAF is a $1 million philanthropic effort in partnership with the Tezos Foundation to support emerging and legacy musicians and artists across the globe who are seeking to build and create new creative and cultural works on the Tezos blockchain.

A two-part gift, the CMAF Scholarship will donate a monetary prize to be allocated to UB students participating in a competition which will showcase their non-fungible tokens (NFT) projects. The CMAF and the Tezos Foundation will offer educational tutorials, materials and guidance on how to use the Tezos blockchain to mint, market and sell their works. 

The second part of the gift will be used to purchase the technology and relevant equipment and supplies for the students so that they can further pursue digital art and music initiatives within the University’s curriculum and in the future.

“This just really came from the bottom of my heart,” said Mr. Broadus. “My first time outside of America was to The Bahamas with my grandma and my great-grandma, who are both no longer here. So, just coming down here has always been inspiring, obviously beautiful, as the country has a very rich culture. You guys have intelligent students, and I just wanted to be representative and show that you don’t have to play sports and make music to become successful, but you can have ownership and your own narrative and do things you want to do. So, that’s what I’m trying to strive to do.”

UB President Janyne Hodder said the University is extremely grateful for the kind gesture, which came at a time when UB is seeking to better itself and foster a culture of continuous improvement in academia via the pursuit of local and international accreditation, as well as celebrate 50 years of continuous operations in service to the nation. The $100K gift by CMAF and the Tezos Foundation will only augment those pursuits. 

“We are grateful for the vision of those at Champ Medici Arts Fund and the Tezos Foundation, Mr. Cordell Broadus and others, for making this investment in students of University of The Bahamas and for recognizing the potential of our talented students,” said President Hodder in her remarks. 

Mr. Broadus had an opportunity to speak to students at UB’s 2023 Fall Freshman Orientation, where he indicated: “We also have a fund where we give back money to minority artists who create music, who create art, and at some point, I would like to pick one of you guys to donate that money to in this room, whoever is a talented artist and a talented musician, let me know.”

Fast-forward to Thursday’s MOU signing, Dr. Douglas Barkey, Dean of UB’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts, praised Mr. Broadus for being a man of his word in partnering with the University. 

“We get a lot of visitors here, we see quite a few because of who we are and where we are, and we’re happy to receive them,” said Dr. Barkey. “They are all inspired by the creativity they see among our students and faculty, our young musicians, emerging artists, and they leave with the intention to help out in some way. We’re used to not hearing back. But that is not the case today. The Champ Medici Foundation for the Arts and the Tezos Foundation have come together to truly give back to the Bahamian community of emerging creative professionals in a very innovative manner through this gift.” 

Mr. Dino Hernandez, UB’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs, praised the new partnership for granting talented artists at UB the opportunity unlock their creative musical and artistic talents. 

“We truly appreciate the partnership with CMAF and Tezos Foundation for the establishment of this $100,000 award, which I’m sure Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Douglas Barkey and the exceptional music faculty are deeply appreciative of,” said VP Hernandez. “Providing our students with access to state-of-the-art digital equipment, educational tutorials, and mentorship, also will go a long way in teaching and training our students, many of whom are fantastic musicians and artists.” 

Nearly one year ago, Cordell Broadus, son of legendary American rapper Snoop Dogg, stood before hundreds of University of The Bahamas (UB) freshmen and declared his interest in financially supporting the talented artists and musicians among them. Some seven months later, Mr. Broadus made good on that promise by generously donating $100,000 to the University to support the creative arts at UB.  On Thursday, 7th March, UB executed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mr. Broadus a.k.a “Champ Medici” and the Tezos Foundation in the RBC Auditorium of the Franklyn Wilson Graduate Centre for the establishment of the Champ Medici Arts Fund (CMAF) Scholarship Award. The CMAF is a $1 million philanthropic effort in partnership with the Tezos Foundation to support emerging and legacy musicians and artists across the globe who are seeking to build and create new creative and cultural works on the Tezos blockchain. A two-part gift, the CMAF Scholarship will donate a monetary prize to be allocated to UB students participating in a competition which will showcase their non-fungible tokens (NFT) projects. The CMAF and the Tezos Foundation will offer educational tutorials, materials and guidance on how to use the Tezos blockchain to mint, market and sell their works.  The second part of the gift will be used to purchase the technology and relevant equipment and supplies for the students so that they can further pursue digital art and music initiatives within the University’s curriculum and in the future. “This just really came from the bottom of my heart,” said Mr. Broadus. “My first time outside of America was to The Bahamas with my grandma and my great-grandma, who are both no longer here. So, just coming down here has always been inspiring, obviously beautiful, as the country has a very rich culture. You guys have intelligent students, and I just wanted to be representative and show that you don’t have to play sports and make music to become successful, but you can have ownership and your own narrative and do things you want to do. So, that’s what I’m trying to strive to do.” UB President Janyne Hodder said the University is extremely grateful for the kind gesture, which came at a time when UB is seeking to better itself and foster a culture of continuous improvement in academia via the pursuit of local and international accreditation, as well as celebrate 50 years of continuous operations in service to the nation. The $100K gift by CMAF and the Tezos Foundation will only augment those pursuits.  “We are grateful for the vision of those at Champ Medici Arts Fund and the Tezos Foundation, Mr. Cordell Broadus and others, for making this investment in students of University of The Bahamas and for recognizing the potential of our talented students,” said President Hodder in her remarks.  Mr. Broadus had an opportunity to speak to students at UB’s 2023 Fall Freshman Orientation, where he indicated: “We also have a fund where we give back money to minority artists who create music, who create art, and at some point, I would like to pick one of you guys to donate that money to in this room, whoever is a talented artist and a talented musician, let me know.” Fast-forward to Thursday’s MOU signing, Dr. Douglas Barkey, Dean of UB’s College of Liberal and Fine Arts, praised Mr. Broadus for being a man of his word in partnering with the University.  “We get a lot of visitors here, we see quite a few because of who we are and where we are, and we’re happy to receive them,” said Dr. Barkey. “They are all inspired by the creativity they see among our students and faculty, our young musicians, emerging artists, and they leave with the intention to help out in some way. We’re used to not hearing back. But that is not the case today. The Champ Medici Foundation for the Arts and the Tezos Foundation have come together to truly give back to the Bahamian community of emerging creative professionals in a very innovative manner through this gift.”  Mr. Dino Hernandez, UB’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs, praised the new partnership for granting talented artists at UB the opportunity unlock their creative musical and artistic talents.  “We truly appreciate the partnership with CMAF and Tezos Foundation for the establishment of this $100,000 award, which I’m sure Dean of Liberal and Fine Arts Douglas Barkey and the exceptional music faculty are deeply appreciative of,” said VP Hernandez. “Providing our students with access to state-of-the-art digital equipment, educational tutorials, and mentorship, also will go a long way in teaching and training our students, many of whom are fantastic musicians and artists.” 

SAXONS MARCH TO TWO STRAIGHT: The Superstars sweep Boxing Day and New Year's Junkanoo parades

Tue, Jan 2nd 2024, 08:32 AM

THE Shell Saxons Superstars unofficially won the New Year's Day Parade, rocking the crowd with a theme of exploring the indigenous history of the archipelago.

The victory completed the group’s sweep of the season’s parades. #The group scored 91.90 points, barely edging out the Valley Boys’ 91.08 points for the second consecutive parade. #The Saxons featured the country’s indigenous history with vibrant costumes depicting the Lucayans and Arawaks. #The group won five Division A categories: best free dancer, best off the shoulder, best step down, best-choreographed dancers and best overall performance. # Kedenique Campbell-Moss, Saxons’ press liaison and representative to the JCNP, said that the group drew from the past to captivate audiences with recreations of indigenous life. # “Our inspiration came from history, it came from our need to tap into what we know and how to create magical theatrical performances around the theme,” she said. # Mrs Campbell-Moss called their dual victories a triumph that resulted from the tireless dedication of the entire Saxon team. # “Winning both parades was a huge triumph for the group. The victory comes with great anticipation for what is to come. We worked tirelessly this year to perfect our craft, the music, the performance, and the love of our culture was what we wanted to exhibit to our fans and sponsors.” # “This win was a yeoman’s effort on behalf of all of the women and men of the Saxons Superstars.” # “We are a rushing group. We wanted that staple to remain in the forefront. We are the Saxons Superstars. Fortitude was paramount.” # Mrs Campbell-Moss said the Saxons would continue drawing inspiration from the local communities to ensure Junkanoo’s continued growth in the future. # “My group will study our performance, we will prepare, we will go into the community and continue the workshops that we have begun with the youth, our expectations are that we, as an organisation and a community, create the environment for Junkanoo to evolve for the culture.” # The Valley Boys’ theme celebrated the group’s 65th anniversary with tributes to its past and present members. # Both the Saxons and The Valley Boys got a one-point deduction on their overall scores. # One Family finished third with 89.86 points, Roots finished fourth with 88.37, Genesis placed fourth with 64.69 points with a 22-point deduction, and Music Makers were disqualified for eligibility issues. # Fancy Dancers was the unofficial winner of the B division with a score of 82.66. Colours came second with 81.95 points. The Immortals placed third with 75.52, Body of Christ finished fourth with 74.09, and the Conquerors of Christ came fifth with 71.27. # Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was among the spectators. # He said he was enthusiastic about the parade, but again conceded that the event has outgrown Bay Street. # “The truth of the matter is that Junkanoo has just grown and it’s such a cultural event for Bahamians,“ he said. “We recognise that there is some challenges, but we still enjoy it the way it is. The essence of Junkanoo is Bay Street and obviously, it’s outgrown Bay Street, but what do we do?” # “And so the time will come when we will have to decide how we keep the spirit of Junkanoo in a sense that if it’s not on Bay Street, it will still be as exciting, as exhilarating and as joyful as it is now.”

The victory completed the group’s sweep of the season’s parades.

The group scored 91.90 points, barely edging out the Valley Boys’ 91.08 points for the second consecutive parade.

The Saxons featured the country’s indigenous history with vibrant costumes depicting the Lucayans and Arawaks.

The group won five Division A categories: best free dancer, best off the shoulder, best step down, best-choreographed dancers and best overall performance.

Kedenique Campbell-Moss, Saxons’ press liaison and representative to the JCNP, said that the group drew from the past to captivate audiences with recreations of indigenous life.

“Our inspiration came from history, it came from our need to tap into what we know and how to create magical theatrical performances around the theme,” she said.

Mrs Campbell-Moss called their dual victories a triumph that resulted from the tireless dedication of the entire Saxon team.

“Winning both parades was a huge triumph for the group. The victory comes with great anticipation for what is to come. We worked tirelessly this year to perfect our craft, the music, the performance, and the love of our culture was what we wanted to exhibit to our fans and sponsors.”

“This win was a yeoman’s effort on behalf of all of the women and men of the Saxons Superstars.”

“We are a rushing group. We wanted that staple to remain in the forefront. We are the Saxons Superstars. Fortitude was paramount.”

Mrs Campbell-Moss said the Saxons would continue drawing inspiration from the local communities to ensure Junkanoo’s continued growth in the future.

“My group will study our performance, we will prepare, we will go into the community and continue the workshops that we have begun with the youth, our expectations are that we, as an organisation and a community, create the environment for Junkanoo to evolve for the culture.”

The Valley Boys’ theme celebrated the group’s 65th anniversary with tributes to its past and present members.

Both the Saxons and The Valley Boys got a one-point deduction on their overall scores.

One Family finished third with 89.86 points, Roots finished fourth with 88.37, Genesis placed fourth with 64.69 points with a 22-point deduction, and Music Makers were disqualified for eligibility issues.

Fancy Dancers was the unofficial winner of the B division with a score of 82.66. Colours came second with 81.95 points. The Immortals placed third with 75.52, Body of Christ finished fourth with 74.09, and the Conquerors of Christ came fifth with 71.27.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was among the spectators.

He said he was enthusiastic about the parade, but again conceded that the event has outgrown Bay Street.

“The truth of the matter is that Junkanoo has just grown and it’s such a cultural event for Bahamians,“ he said. “We recognise that there is some challenges, but we still enjoy it the way it is. The essence of Junkanoo is Bay Street and obviously, it’s outgrown Bay Street, but what do we do?”

“And so the time will come when we will have to decide how we keep the spirit of Junkanoo in a sense that if it’s not on Bay Street, it will still be as exciting, as exhilarating and as joyful as it is now.”

 

St. George's High School of Grand Bahama is once again winner of the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival

Tue, Dec 12th 2023, 12:38 PM

For the third year in a row, St. George's High School, of Grand Bahama, received the Governor-General's Award as the overall top winner at the 2023 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Awards Ceremony, held at the University of The Bahamas on December 8, 2023. 

Almost 1,000 students and community members from throughout The Bahamas received trophies and plaques in recognition of their achievements.  Joining teachers and parents in cheering on those recognized were the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg; Permanent Secretary Cora Colebrooke; Under Secretary Montez Williams; consultant and former Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson; Acting Director of Culture Dereka Deleveaux-Grant; and officers and staff members of the Division of Cultural Affairs.  

Sandilands to Host 2nd Art Competition and Auction

Sandilands to Host 2nd Art Competition and Auction

Mon, Oct 23rd 2023, 10:29 AM

Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) is set to host its 2nd Art Exhibition, Competition, and Auction onOctober 27, 2023, in remembrance of the late Malcolm Rae, coinciding with World Occupational TherapyDay. The concept for this exhibition originated with Mr. Rae, who dedicated his Tuesdays to teaching thefundamentals of painting to participants in the Sandilands Art Programme. Mr. Rae also organized a modestin-house exhibition around the Geriatric Hospital Circle, showcasing the artistic talents of clients involved inthe Creative Recovery Program. The Art Programme at Sandilands continues to bring positivetransformations to the lives of its clients, with continued support from Mr. Rae's family, who consistentlyattend these events.

The Sandilands Family expressed their condolences to Mr. Rae's family and friends upon his passing, andthey reached out to the community for volunteers to assist in the Art Programme. Mrs. Kelly KnowlesCharlow heeded the call for artists and extended invitations to local artists to offer guidance to SRC clientsas they prepared for the competition. Notable artists such as Ms. Keisha Oliver, Mr. Kishan Munroe, and Mr.Pachino Wallace responded enthusiastically, investing their time and talent to mentor Sandilands' clients.

The program has continued to evolve, and in 2022, the Minister of Youth Sports & Culture, Hon. MarioBowleg, inaugurated the Art Exhibition and Auction. During the opening ceremony, Minister Bowlegcommended the "creative spirit of clients and staff within the institution," highlighting the program's role inestablishing a therapeutic foundation for healing, rehabilitation, and recovery. At the same event, KevaThompson, Deputy Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), praised the efforts of theOccupational Therapy Department, emphasizing the commendable roles played by artists and others aseducators, advisors, and advocates for art therapy.

The 2022 auction was a star-studded affair, featuring celebrity artists and notable figures like Dawn Davies,Eric Rose, Curator of The Central Bank of the Bahamas Mr. Ulrich Voges, and others. Active participants inthe auction included Minister of Transport and Housing, Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, and Minister of State forthe Public Service, Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle.

This year's event will be judged by Antonius Roberts, Jodi Minnis, and Katrina Cartwright. Mrs. Sunitha Pati,Head of Occupational Therapy at SRC, underscored the significant role of art in mental health rehabilitation.Citing research by licensed art therapist and clinical counsellor Cathy Malchiodi, Pati noted that art-makinghas a soothing and stress-reducing effect, offering a means to transcend difficult circumstances, resolveproblems, release emotions, recover from trauma, and alleviate physical discomfort. She emphasized thatArt Therapy operates on the belief that people can process life experiences through art.

Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) is set to host its 2nd Art Exhibition, Competition, and Auction on October 27, 2023, in remembrance of the late Malcolm Rae, coinciding with World Occupational Therapy Day. The concept for this exhibition originated with Mr. Rae, who dedicated his Tuesdays to teaching the fundamentals of painting to participants in the Sandilands Art Programme. Mr. Rae also organized a modest in-house exhibition around the Geriatric Hospital Circle, showcasing the artistic talents of clients involved in the Creative Recovery Program. The Art Programme at Sandilands continues to bring positive transformations to the lives of its clients, with continued support from Mr. Rae's family, who consistently attend these events. The Sandilands Family expressed their condolences to Mr. Rae's family and friends upon his passing, and they reached out to the community for volunteers to assist in the Art Programme. Mrs. Kelly KnowlesCharlow heeded the call for artists and extended invitations to local artists to offer guidance to SRC clients as they prepared for the competition. Notable artists such as Ms. Keisha Oliver, Mr. Kishan Munroe, and Mr. Pachino Wallace responded enthusiastically, investing their time and talent to mentor Sandilands' clients. The program has continued to evolve, and in 2022, the Minister of Youth Sports & Culture, Hon. Mario Bowleg, inaugurated the Art Exhibition and Auction. During the opening ceremony, Minister Bowleg commended the "creative spirit of clients and staff within the institution," highlighting the program's role in establishing a therapeutic foundation for healing, rehabilitation, and recovery. At the same event, Keva Thompson, Deputy Managing Director of the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA), praised the efforts of the Occupational Therapy Department, emphasizing the commendable roles played by artists and others as educators, advisors, and advocates for art therapy. The 2022 auction was a star-studded affair, featuring celebrity artists and notable figures like Dawn Davies, Eric Rose, Curator of The Central Bank of the Bahamas Mr. Ulrich Voges, and others. Active participants in the auction included Minister of Transport and Housing, Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, and Minister of State for the Public Service, Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle. This year's event will be judged by Antonius Roberts, Jodi Minnis, and Katrina Cartwright. Mrs. Sunitha Pati, Head of Occupational Therapy at SRC, underscored the significant role of art in mental health rehabilitation. Citing research by licensed art therapist and clinical counsellor Cathy Malchiodi, Pati noted that art-making has a soothing and stress-reducing effect, offering a means to transcend difficult circumstances, resolve problems, release emotions, recover from trauma, and alleviate physical discomfort. She emphasized that Art Therapy operates on the belief that people can process life experiences through art.