NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Antiquities, Monuments and Museums Corporation (AMMC) held a press conference on Wednesday Oct 17 at its offices to announce plans to launch the premier arts festival, “The Bahamas Christmas Arts Festival (BCAF)” with the hope to make it an annual event.
Persons interested in displaying at the festival can either reach out to the event co-ordinator Ms. Angelique McKay at 3262566, 3231925 or on Facebook at The Bahamas Cultural Festival fan page before November 15 to express their intent to participate. Artists and artisans are required to fill out an application form and bring samples of their work for vetting prior to being accepted into the festival. The application is available on the Facebook page and on the AMMC website.
The festival, which is scheduled to take place on December 1st and 2nd between the hours of 11a.m. and 6 p.m. on the lush historic Collins Estate Grounds, is expected to be unlike any other Bahamian festival on several levels, said Courtney Strachan, AMMC chairman. It will take place during the Christmas season and will boast the largest gathering of a cross section of Bahamian artists and artisans in one setting during the festival.
The BCAF is designed to showcase some of the top Bahamian visual artists (fine artists and sculptors) artisans, vocalists, culinary artists, bar chefs and performing artists, said Ms. Mckay. It is designed to allow locals, domestic tourists and international tourists to experience many of the cultural elements that make The Bahamas different from any other country on the planet.
“The festival will also showcase high end, boutique style, both elegant and casual hand made jewellery, hand bags, table and bath linen, home decor items, special trinkets and fashion,” Ms. McKay said.
“Event patrons will have an opportunity to enjoy time honoured Bahamian culinary delights and traditional Bahamian ingredients transformed into modern savoury gourmet delights. Festival goers will also be afforded an opportunity to witness live culinary demonstrations, in our festival food pavilion area, receive recipe cards and as a result add new dishes to their Christmas dinner menus,” she said.
There will also be several segments throughout the day that will be devoted to showcasing Bahamian designers, stylists and models on the festival’s cat walk. In keeping with the overall theme of the BCAF, Bahamian vocalists and musicians will also be a major feature on the main festival stage, performing at key intervals throughout the entire festival. Live artist and artisan demonstrations, is a prominent feature of the BCAF and will take place throughout the day.
Mr. Strachan also announced the strategic partners for the event; The Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and its 12 days of Christmas initiative, the Ministry of Tourism, The Bahamas Agriculture and Industrial Corporation and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
By Stirling Strachan
Bahamas Information Services
