(TOP from Left): Eight of the thirty one participating artists: Kareem Williams, Dale Allen, Rosemarie Laing, Allan P. Wallace, Shanteena Simms, Dwan Deveaux, Shorlette Francis, Kirkwood Deal. (Bottom LEFT from left) Anarsctaia Huyler, Hostess of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival introduces speakers (From Left:) Craig Woods, Film Commissioner of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Antonius Roberts, The Arts Pavilion Curator; Paul Major, Chairman of The Bahamas National Festival Commission; Keisha Oliver, PR & Branding Manager of The Arts Pavilion; Allan P. Wallace, participating artist. (Bottom RIGHT from left): Antonius Roberts, Curator of The Arts Pavilion; Paul Major, Chairman of The Bahamas National Festival Commission; Keisha Oliver, PR & Branding Manager of The Arts Pavilion

The Arts Pavilion officially announced its inclusion within Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival at its press conference on Monday, May 4th at Hillside House. Paul Major, Chairman of The Bahamas National Festival Commission and Craig Woods, Film Commissioner of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism joined Antonius Roberts, Curator of The Arts Pavilion along with participating artists to share the important role The Arts Pavilion hopes to play as it takes its place at Hillside House this weekend.

The Arts Pavilion was inspired by an invitation from The Bahamas National Festival Commission to include a visual arts component within Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. It is an open gallery space designed to provide visual artists in The Bahamas with a platform to showcase their talents whilst introducing locals and visitors to contemporary Bahamian art.

During carnival week The Arts Pavilion will host its first Bahamian Visual Art Expo showcasing over thirty emerging and established artists. The three-day event will create an environment for artists to engage the public and sell their work in an informal setting removing the barriers of access and formality of a traditional art gallery.

The Arts Pavilion PR and Branding Manager Keisha Oliver discussed the artists involvement and the important role online and social media plays in supporting the event’s physical and virtual space. “The response to our call for art was impressive with submissions from creative practitioners from all backgrounds. Being an art lecturer with The College of The Bahamas (COB) I am particularly proud of the number of COB students who will be exhibiting in the expo.”

Including over 300 works the expo will feature a diverse range of art styles and highlighting the work of two prominent Bahamian artists. Master multi-discipline artist John Beadle will present Inside-out, Outside-in an installation project that investigates the idea of the totality of Caribbean festivals and challenges concepts of experience and performance in a confined space. Contemporary painter Allan Pachino Wallace widely known for his mural and live art performances will transform a section of The Arts Pavilion into an open studio as he creates a site specific mural.

Part of The Arts Pavilion mission is to provide economic opportunities for individual artists, particularly undiscovered talent. Amanda Coulson, Director of The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas was invited to review the expo’s submissions and select three exceptional artists for The Arts Pavilion Gold Star Award, which recognises individuals for their commitment to the arts and creative accomplishments. The chosen artists will be announced at the expo’s official opening on Thursday, May 7th where they will receive a Gold Star Pin and a $1500 grant to assist in the development of their creative practice. Paul Major confirmed that The Bahamas National Festival Commission would support this effort by donating an additional $1500 to the grant.

Antonius Roberts envisions the space and concept will thrive outside of carnival week and expand over the years to attract and include the works of regional artists. “This will help further establish The Bahamas as a creative arts hub in the Caribbean, providing opportunities for greater cultural alliances and access to technical and creative support for the regional art community.”

Participating artists include: Alia M. Dean, Allan P. Wallace, Attila Feszt, Beatrice Gardiner, Cameron Johnson, Chantal E. Y. Bethel, Daleana C. Lynch, Danielle Darville, Dale Allen, Edrin Symonette, Jalan Harris, Jasmine Chipman, Jeff Cooper, John Beadle, Judith Papillon, Kareem S. Williams, Kerri S. L. Bascom, Kirkwood R. Deal, Lamaro S. W. Smith, Lemero E. Wright, Marco Mullings, Nowé Harris-Smith, Navarro Newton, Rosemarie Laing, Shanteena Simms, Shashla D. Bethune, Shorlette Francis, Spurgeonique Morley, Sonia Issacs, Timothy Nottage and Trevor Tucker.

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