DECEMBER 2ND – Freeport, Grand Bahama – The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) proudly hosted the soft opening of MOSAIC, the vibrant new home of ArtLucaya and the Grand Bahama Artists Association. This transformative space, located in a beautifully renovated building with a storied past, now stands as a beacon for creativity, collaboration, and cultural celebration in Grand Bahama.
Sarah St. George, Acting Chairman of GBPA, described the significance of this milestone during her remarks at the opening ceremony.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. And the purpose of life is to give it away,” she quoted from Pablo Picasso, noting how this sentiment embodies the spirit of the artists who will call MOSAIC their creative home.
Originally a synagogue and later the home of the Grand Bahama Youth Choir, the building endured significant damage from hurricanes Matthew and Dorian. After a major renovation by the GBPA, the space now reflects a renaissance of artistic purpose. St. George shared her vision for the building.
“The artists have named it MOSAIC to build on each other’s creativity. It will be a hub and a home for our Grand Bahama Art Community; the GB Artists Association and ArtLucaya, as well as the performing arts. It’s another step towards an aim to become the artistic capital of the Caribbean.”
Fatima-Zahra Kaboub, Founder of ArtLucaya, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the future.
“I’m thrilled that ArtLucaya will have a home at MOSAIC. As we prepare for our third Art Festival, this space allows us to dream bigger and expand our scope to include both performing arts and visual arts. It’s a place where artists can share ideas, inspire one another, and grow as a community. This is perhaps the most significant investment in the arts Grand Bahama has seen in decades. We are incredibly grateful to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for their vision and unwavering support, which will undoubtedly help us nurture local talent and put Grand Bahama on the cultural map.”
MOSAIC’s launch is part of the GBPA’s broader vision to position Freeport as a city of art and culture. With close to six million cruise passengers expected annually in the coming years, the potential for Grand Bahama to attract international collectors and foster an Orange Economy is immense. St. George expressed hope for local art to inspire unique, locally made products, emphasizing the economic and cultural impact of supporting the arts.
Dr. Kevin Bethel, President of the Grand Bahama Artists Association, emphasized the economic and cultural potential of MOSAIC.
“One of the most common complaints potential residents or investors have with an island community like ours is that there are not enough arts and cultural activities. MOSAIC changes the dynamic of the economy on Grand Bahama. We envision that tour buses will have reason to leave their isolation on projects like Celebration Key to come see what a dynamic art community we have to offer. The future is looking very creative! The Grand Bahama Artists Association is excited by this tangible support from the GBPA. From our new home here at MOSAIC, we look forward to continuing our tradition of art exhibits and expanding into offering a variety of art workshops for our members and for interested members of the public.”
The event also celebrated the collective efforts behind MOSAIC’s realization, including contributions from local artists, GBPA executives and staff, and supporters of the arts. St. George extended heartfelt gratitude to all who played a role in transforming MOSAIC into a vibrant new space for the arts.
With over 50 artists and a kaleidoscope of ideas in its inaugural phase, MOSAIC is set to host exhibitions, workshops, and community events. The space symbolizes a commitment to nurturing creativity and shaping the identity of Grand Bahama through art.
“Art is living history; it lifts the soul. It’s a record of who we are and a vision of what we can become. MOSAIC is a place where creativity and connection will thrive, leaving an indelible mark on our island and beyond,” St. George concluded.
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