Ras Ishi exhibit marks two important moments at the NAGB.  The first is producing a major exhibition in a National space where the artist is not local but from another Caribbean region.  

The thinking here is that as a National institution it is our responsibility to ensure that local artists, critics and curators get to experience and dialogue with what is considered the best

 in the visual arts arena.  In places like London the National Gallery shows work by non-British artist such as Caravaggio for exactly the same reason why we are showing Ras Ishi.  

The second is about regional and global collegiate partnerships. 

The Ras Ishi exhibit signals the beginning of a series of collaborative projects with local Bahamian artists, curators and critics as well as institutions and colleagues who are from the 

Caribbean and European region.  This project is the  first in a series of exchange projects with places such as Barbados, Martinique, Zambia and Liverpool England.  In order for the 

Bahamian community to grow and develop and,  of course the NAGB as well, it is important that we continue to push and question our national and international boundaries in constant 

critical dialogue with our national and international partners and not work in isolation.  

Ras Ishi for us represents and marks this important shift.