The Villa Doyle, once a stately historic mansion, officially opened its doors to the Bahamian public on Monday, as the country's first National Art Gallery marking yet another milestone in Bahamian history.
And like the flag, Coat of Arms, and the national anthem, the Art Gallery constitutes yet another important symbol of national and cultural identity.
Located on West Hill Street, the renovated three storey yellow and white building will be among the core cultural institutions that will give fresh impetus to the cultural development of the society.
Officially declaring the Gallery open, Prime Minister Perry Christie, said the Gallery will lend itself to the increasing demand for Heritage Tourism, as many of the modern-day tourists desire more than sand, sea and sun.
The opening of the National Art Gallery coincides with celebrations marking the country's 30th Anniversary of Independence.
"The Bahamas National Art Gallery will therefore empower us to transform our understanding of The Bahamas, the world and ourselves through the experience of looking and exploring the Bahamian creative, artistic spirit," Mr. Christie said.
"On this the 30th anniversary of the Independence of our country, I can think of no greater or more fitting monument to our history than in the opening of this Gallery which will be a permanent home for the creative bent and the richness of the talents of our Bahamian people," he said.
In the past few decades, there has been a renaissance in Bahamian art. Prime Minister Christie expressed his pleasure in the fact that The Bahamas has produced an extraordinary number of talented artists, whose work have received local and international acclaim, and therefore warrant preservation as part of the national heritage of the country.
The Gallery will preserve the best of Bahamian art, which like that of the rest of the Caribbean has flourished.
"I have no doubt, therefore, that with the passage of time the citizens of The Bahamas will also come to look at this as a revered institution and would be forever grateful to this generation of leaders for having the foresight and the commitment to bring this Gallery to fruition.
"The showcasing of Bahamian art at home and abroad will fill a gap and help to dispel the notion of The Bahamas as a country is devoid of culture and history. It will positively interpret the country's visual heritage for Bahamians and visitors alike and is poised to become a most important institution of cultural promotion," Prime Minister Christie said.
Accordingly, Attorney General and Minister of Education Alfred Sears, noted that the opening of the Gallery may be regarded as one important milestone in the country's journey toward the fuller realisation of what it is to be Bahamian.
He said art has always been a defining characteristic and a part of our collective identity.
Minister Sears said with the opening of the Gallery "we have set a course to write a Bahamian autobiography through the exhibition of national artifacts bridging the islands of Andros and Cat Island, Mayaguana and Ragged Island, Exuma and New Providence through the commonality of art.
"A National Art Gallery is fundamental to our evolution as a people and the advancement of our nationhood. It will become a showplace and a classroom for Bahamian culture captured on canvass and in sculptures of wood, metal and other materials. It will transcend time and space providing a mirror that allows Bahamians to see who we are, to see what we used to be, and to see what we hope to become," he said.
Presently, the Gallery is showcasing current exhibitions of images by three photographers working during the period of 1870 – 1920, under the theme "Bahamian Visions. Also being showcased is One Man's Vision, an exhibition of works from the collection of Vincent D'Aguilar and the Inaugural National Exhibition 1973-2003.
By Keva Lightbourne, The Nassau Guardian
