The Transforming Spaces Committee’s first ever Virtual Art Tour Premiere which took place November 14 & 15 was a huge success as ticketed patrons were able to experience the artwork of the seven art spaces: Central Bank of The Bahamas’ Balcony House, D’Aguilar Art Foundation, Doongalik Studios, Project I.C.E., National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, New Providence Art & Antiques, University of The Bahamas - via Zoom over the weekend from the comfort of their homes.

Since mid-March, remote work, virtual learning, video conference calls and binge-watching during lockdowns have become the new normal for Bahamian families during the Covid-19 pandemic. The increase screen time could lead to what researchers are describing as tech ‘overload’. Local business Big Picture Paint & Sip Studio is using creativity to combat this constant need for connectivity by pivoting to offer clients at-home paint kits and curated craft boxes for kids as an additional product and service category.  

Seven months ago the Transforming Spaces Committee was all excited and prepared to roll out their sold-out annual TS2020 event when the unexpected, invisible COVID-19 pandemic appeared, and closed down all activity indefinitely!

The Committee remained vigilant, however, closely monitoring the situation, and wishes to sincerely thank their loyal patrons for their understanding and patience during the long wait! Poised to move forward at the earliest opportunity...

Governor General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Cornelius A. Smith signed the Book of Condolence for the Late Pastor Hugh Roach at the William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street, on Monday, September 21, 2020.   His Excellency also conveyed his condolences to the family.  

(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)...

Educator, cultural icon and author Arlene Nash-Ferguson (centre) presented a copy of her book 'The Gentle Giant -- The Story of Andre Rodgers' to Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Lanisha Rolle, on September 4, 2020 during a courtesy call at the Ministry.  Also pictured is Permanent Secretary Eugene Poitier.  Minister Rolle had a brief chat with Mrs. Nash-Ferguson and her husband Silbert Ferguson.  Also present for the courtesy call were Under Secretaries Montez Williams and Renee Bullard.

(BIS Photo / Eric Rose)...

Over-the-Hill is Eden,
it is the garden
in which we live

it is holy ground

take off your shoes
when you go through
when you pass by

there are those of us
who are worshiping,
many of us in prayer...

'Sous vide,' ' molecular gastronomy,' 'gastriques' and 'fumes' are among the culinary jargon that budding student chefs attending the 4th annual Young Chef Culinary Conference were introduced to.

Executive Chef Jamal Small encouraged students through live demonstrations to learn these modern techniques in molecular cuisine and incorporate them into their dishes...

Pop, soul and R&B songs received star treatment from young singers, on March 11, 2020, during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence Adjudications, at Holy Trinity Activity Centre, Stapledon Gardens. 

(BIS Photos / Eric Rose)...

Primary School students were the first singers showcasing their talent on the first day of the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence adjudications, held at the Holy Trinity Activity Centre, Stapledon Gardens, on March 9, 2020.  Young soloists sang jazz, theatre and Broadway songs, while students from Queen's College and St. Andrew's International School performed as choirs. 

(BIS Photos / Eric Rose)...

The Visual Art Department at the University of The Bahamas (UB) will present a group exhibition entitled “Process & Material” for this year’s Transforming Spaces. Curated by Assistant Professor Heino Schmid, the exhibition will be displayed in the Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre and include works by present students, faculty and recent alumni. 

Young drummers had the chance to showcase their rhythm in the Best Junkanoo Drummer sub-genre, during the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence Adjudications, held at the Church of God Auditorium, Joe Farrington Road, on March 10, 2020.  Of note, along with a number of second-generation drummers and two female drummers were two students from Treasure Cay, Abaco, who now reside in the capital.  Instrumental Music Adjudicator Lou Adams commended the drummers and encouraged them to listen to other legendary Junkanoo drummers...

Students showcased their prowess with songs from musicals and movies, during the second day of the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence adjudications, at Holy Trinity Activity Centre, Stapledon Gardens, on March 10, 2020.  From St. Andrew's International School,  Samantha Sands showed her talent with "Burn" from "Hamilton"; Jayden Ward crooned "Fly Me to the Moon", which was made famous by Frank Sinatra and appeared in movies; Samantha Martinborough sang a song from "Legally Blonde"; Lauren Simms showed her range with "Love is a Plaintive Song" from Gilbert's and Sullivan's "Patience"...

Students performing on piano and stringed instruments were the first to take part in the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence Adjudications, on March 9, 2020, at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.  Piano and String Adjudicator Dr. Dion Cunningham encouraged the students and gave them pointers on their craft.  Also present from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture were Senior Cultural Affairs Officer with responsibility for the Festival and Organizing Secretary Sonovia Pierre, Wendell Demeritte, and Osano Neely...

Students at the Samuel Guy Pinder All-Age School in Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, showcased their talent through music, drama and visual arts, as the school was the first stop for the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival 2020 Adjudications, on February 26, 2020.  Of note, Kemel Scott, Jordyn Brown and Wes Underwood played the piano; Aurora Knowles sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"; eighth-grader Dinero St. Phar performed drama; and a group of students played the chimes.  The Festival’s adjudication team is currently in Eleuthera until February 28, and will be in Andros the following week.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)...

Doongalik Studios announces a new exhibition entitled “Awakening” by Katerina Kovatcheva that will open on Monday, March 2 from 6-9pm. “Awakening” is an interesting showcase of 30 paintings dealing with a variety of subject matters in various mediums.This is the artist’s second solo exhibition at Doongalik, and her audience is always very receptive to her range of offerings.

In Q4 of 2019, local e-commerce retailer Black Food Bookstore & Culture Shop expanded its retail operations to include a physical storefront on the corner of Robinson Road & East Street. Today, the community-focused business is already seeing the benefits of combining its online presence with a brick-and-mortar outlet.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture launched the 61st E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival at the National Art Gallery, February 13, 2020.  Officially declared launched by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Lanisha Rolle (addressing audience second from right) the festival showcases the talents of Bahamians throughout the archipelago in dance, drama, arts and crafts and music.  Adjudications begin with Eleuthera and propel through the islands, from north to south, finishing up in the north, in Grand Bahama...

Boasting sixteen years as the premier art festival in The Bahamas, Transforming Spaces (TS) returns this Spring to offer art enthusiasts, collectors, and visitors alike another unique experience totally immersed in the contemporary Bahamian art scene.

School children in colourful Junior Junkanoo panorama in Rawson Square on Bay Street, January 30, 2020. 

(BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)...

Local author Paul King will be signing copies of his new book From Cat Island He Came at Chapter One Bookstore on Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. During the event, King will read excerpts from the book and share his experiences growing up in Cat Island.