A new wave of opportunity is emerging for Grand Bahama’s creative community with the launch of the Crafters Academy, an initiative of the Grand Bahama Port Authority’s (GBPA) Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau. The program was created to empower local artisans, entrepreneurs, and creatives with the skills and knowledge essential to transform their passions into viable business ventures.
The four-day inaugural workshop marked a significant step in positioning Grand Bahama as a hub for authentic, high-quality Bahamian crafts, handmade souvenirs, and gift items. Against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding tourism industry, artisans now have a platform to elevate their craftsmanship and meet the increasing demand for authentic, locally made products.
“Art has always been at the heart of cultural storytelling, and our local artisans are the narrators of Grand Bahama’s identity,” said Sarah St. George, Acting Chairman of the Grand Bahama Port Authority. “Crafters Academy isn’t just about teaching skills; it’s about developing local talent so that they can benefit directly from Grand Bahama’s expanding creative economy.”
The first workshop, Introduction to Painted Coasters, welcomed an enthusiastic group of participants, ranging from hobbyists to seasoned artists and current licensed craft vendors, all eager to refine their skills. The sessions were led by Artist and ArtLucaya Secretary, Lisa Codella who emphasized the Crafters Academy ethos of sustainability, cultural authenticity, collaboration and entrepreneurship.
“Tourists are drawn to meaningful, locally inspired pieces that reflect the destination’s culture,” Codella explained. “Through Crafters Academy, we aim to nurture talent and spark inspiration for artisans to develop products that can only be found right here on Grand Bahama.”
For participant Christian Pinder, the experience was both enlightening and empowering. “Though I’ve always had an artistic eye, I took the beginner’s course and absolutely loved it!” she said. “This experience was inspiring and therapeutic. I learned that even the simplest designs require patience and technique. More than anything, I walked away feeling like an artist.”
Leroy Glinton, a local conch shell artist and entrepreneur, emphasized the long-overdue support that Crafters Academy can now provide for small business development. “Taking this class was an opportunity for me to diversify my craft and explore new ways to market my products,” Glinton noted. “The hardest step is always the first one, but once you start, the possibilities are endless. The GBPA stepping up to provide this kind of initiative is a game-changer. And the fact that it’s free, is almost unheard of! I encourage everyone to take advantage of it.”
Fatima-Zahra Kaboub, Founder & Chairman of ArtLucaya who also helped with the training sessions noted: “ArtLucaya was founded to establish Grand Bahama as an epicenter for fine art, and now, with Crafters Academy, we are championing our artisans and the crafts sector with the same passion and purpose. Fine art and handcrafts are two sides of the same creative coin. Both are equally vital to shaping Grand Bahama’s artistic legacy.”
As Grand Bahama prepares for record-breaking visitor arrivals beginning this summer, Crafters Academy is positioning artisans to meet market demand with distinctive, high-quality Bahamian-made crafts. Additional workshops such as [coconut bowls, polymer clay jewelry, and aluminum can jewelry] will be announced soon.
For more information on upcoming workshops and how to get involved, visit www.gbpa.com or follow GBPA’s official social media pages.
