The Tribune

By Gladstone Thurston

IN what is turning out to be a promising mentorship project, the Public Treasury Art Programme is staging an exhibition entitled ‘Nurturing Brotherhood’.

During the next five months, the foyers of the Public Treasury Building, East Street North, will showcase works by some of the country’s most talented artists alongside those of their protégés.

“Their work and experience marks the beginning of a promising mentorship programme which aims to unify young men in the Bahamian community through the arts,” said Treasurer of the Bahamas, Eugenia Cartwright.

“We hope ‘Nurturing Brotherhood’ serves as a catalyst to propel these young men on their artistic journey.”

PTAP is an initiative of the Public Treasury, located opposite Police Headquarters. It aims to recognise and encourage young Bahamian artists, to showcase outstanding local and regional art, and to engender appreciation of and commitment to the arts and art education in the Bahamas.

One of its short term goals is to provide the creative community, especially emerging artists, with a new venue to exhibit their works.

PTAP’s inaugural exhibition, ‘Bahama Mama’, which opened September 23 last year, featured works from 21 Bahamian women artists and writers.

Mentor artists participating in ‘Nurturing Brotherhood’ include: Allan Wallace, Andret John, Anthony Morley, Damaso Gray, Desmond Darville, Dion Lewis, Ellery Deveaux, Jace McKinney, Kenon Grant, Kishan Munroe, Lou Lihou, Omar Richardson, Scharad Lightbourne, Sheldon Saint, Shieko Hoyte, and Zyandric Jones.

Former Central Bank governor, Sir William Allen, in his address at last Friday’s opening ceremony, predicted PTAP “will have a greater impact on development of the arts than you now imagine.”

About 28 years ago Sir William launched the Central Bank’s Art Competition and Exhibition. That event has become a permanent feature on the Bahamian art scene.

“There is no doubt that there is today an encouraging interest and awareness in the arts in our country,” said Sir William, “and it is attracting some very talented Bahamians to the field.

“Also, Bahamians have become major collectors of Bahamian art. It was not always so, and the encouragement which your initiative represents is important for the future.”

Sir William pointed to the emerging recognition of art and heritage as a commercial enterprise with “a great potential for the enhancement of the tourism sector.”

“This may ultimately turn out to be the greatest driving force for its expansion,” he said.

He warned however that there “is always the danger that through pricing it may also limit its availability and accessibility for the broadest public appreciation.”

Sir William said he hopes art museums will play an important role in ensuring that art appreciation is a privilege available to every Bahamian.

“And here, initiatives like PTAP could play a major role in ensuring the availability of art museums in our society,” said Sir William.

“I have no doubt that the Central Bank already owns a collection of Bahamian art that could supply a respectable art museum.”