Today, I am pleased to announce the dates for the opening of The 15th Annual Bahama Arts Festival 2012, which we plan to be an exciting one. The Festival will showcase many splendid products that are produced locally by our Bahamian Artisans. The Festival will be held at the Arawak Cay Site from Sunday October 26th, 2012 through Sunday October 28th, 2012. This Festival has been instrumental over the past fifteen (15) years bringing recognition and merit to the Arts & Craft Industry. The Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation continues to strive to improve and enhance the Handicraft, Souvenir and Fashion Design Industry. The Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation has always strived to assist the Bahamian Artisans in the Handicraft Sector to this end the Corporation has the following training programs available to the artisans:
Shell Craft Training Program
Coconut Craft Training Program
Straw Weaving Training Program
Woodturning Training Program
The Art of Painting with Texture
The Sea Glass Training Program
Festival Patrons will be able to participate in various activities during what will be dubbed as ‘National Craft Week’ (as declared by Perry G. Christie, Prime Minister). The dates again for the festival are October 21-28, 2012.
Activities will be held throughout the week and the public is invited to attend:
Sunday, October 21, 2012 – Services of Thanksgiving honoring craft person(s) throughout the Family Island Communities
Monday-Tuesday, October 22-23, 2012 – Two-day Decorative Plaiting. Program will be held at BAIC’s Cafeteria, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The cost is $50.00. Participants will be taught to plait Jacob’s ladder, Peas ‘n’ Rice, Lace, Soursop, etc.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – Service of Thanksgiving to honor Precious Straw Gem Mrs. Nora Dorsette, age 90 years at the East Street Gospel Chapel, East Street, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday, October 24-25, 2012 – The 7th AGM held at SuperClub Breezes, West Bay Street, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday – Sunday, October 26-28, 2012 – The three-day Festival is held. Opening Ceremony will commence at 11:00 a.m. and judging competitions will also be held at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, October 27, 2012 – The exciting ‘Battle of the Bands’ Competition held at the Festival site, 2:00 p.m. as well as Festival Concert with various Bahamian Entertainers and Bands
Sunday, October 28, 2012 – The Gala Tea Party is held at 2:00 p.m. Bahamian delicacies and teas will be served. Guests will be dazzled with a Fashion Show depicting clothing/accessories by Bahamian Fashion Designers and artisans. The highlight of this event is the table decorating contest. Tickets are $100.00 per table. Government Ministries and Church Women Auxiliaries are invited to attend and participate.
Sunday, October 28, 2012 – A Grand ‘Old Time Gospel Explosion’ featuring solo and gospel groups will begin at 6:00 p.m and culminate the Festival.
I take this opportunity to thank all those whose contributions ensure that our craft and souvenir industry continues to grow and develop.
Thank You,
Bahamas Information Services
(From left to right are Jan Knowles, public relations officer for the Royal Bank of Canada, a sponsor of the festival; Mr. Wang, attaché from the embassy of the Republic of China, a sponsor of the festival; Arnold Forbes, BAIC Chairman; Mrs. Donnalee Bowe, BAIC Assistant General Manager for Handicraft and Pam Deveaux, Assistant Manager at BAIC.)
