We decided to share this announcement from the Grand Bahama Port Authority with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE, which has a huge following among the Bahamian diaspora across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom as well as in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean.
Freeport, Grand Bahama – April 29, 2026. Art, culture and community came together for a dynamic opening celebration as ArtLucaya launched its fourth year drawing an enthusiastic crowd on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Mosaic Art Hub in Grand Bahama.
The highly anticipated Vernissage Cocktail Party welcomed a distinguished gathering of artists, curators, collectors and art enthusiasts, offering guests a first look at this year’s featured exhibitions. Surrounded by contemporary Grand Bahamian works, the evening unfolded in an atmosphere of creative energy, lively conversation and cultural celebration.
Now in its fourth year, ArtLucaya continues to expand its vision of cultivating a vibrant arts community in Grand Bahama while strengthening the island’s cultural identity and creative economy. The strong turnout and engagement on opening night reflected the growing excitement surrounding the festival and the increased support for the arts across the island.
ArtLucaya Chair, Fatima-Zahra Kaboub reflected on the journey behind the festival and the significance of reaching its fourth year.
“We started with a dream, a simple idea to bring an arts community together and see where it could go. Now in our fourth year, it is incredibly rewarding to watch that dream grow stronger each year. Our goal has always been steady growth, even five to ten percent annually, as we work toward something bold, becoming the Art City Capital of the Caribbean.”
Opening night also highlighted the continued presence of artists who have helped shape the festival since its inception.
Returning for her fourth consecutive year, artist Jemonique Barnaby shared that being part of ArtLucaya from the beginning has played an important role in her creative journey.
“Each year, I am inspired by the new artists who emerge and the different perspectives they bring. It challenges me to keep growing creatively. I am truly grateful to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for continuing to create a space that uplifts and invests in artists like us.”
Featured artist Veronica Dorsett, a Freeport native, also marked a special homecoming moment as this was her first time exhibiting in Freeport since attending university in Canada.
“It is incredibly meaningful to return home and share my work with the community that helped shape me,” Dorsett said. “To exhibit in Freeport for the first time since leaving for university feels like a full-circle moment. ArtLucaya is creating something powerful here, and I am honoured to be part of it.”
Among the evening’s standout moments was a successful sale by emerging artist Makaila Johnson, whose work resonated strongly with attendees and collectors.
“ArtLucaya has been such a powerful experience for me as an artist,” Johnson said. “Every year, the level of talent pushes you to think differently and step outside your comfort zone. Having one of my pieces sold on opening night was really affirming. It shows that people are connecting with the work and that these platforms truly matter.”
Bahamian artist Denzel Lightborne also emphasized the importance of showing up for the arts.
“Even when you are not showing work, it is important to be present. Supporting events like ArtLucaya is how we strengthen our creative community and keep our culture moving forward.”
The weekend of events continued with a rich and engaging lineup of programming designed to deepen engagement and expand artistic dialogue and community participation. Highlights included a guided tour of the exhibition led by ARMOVA Curatorial Curators Ilene Sova and Byron Armstrong of Canada, offering guests an inside look into the curatorial process and themes shaping the show. An engaging Art Workshop facilitated by Claudette Dean invited participants to explore their own creativity through hands-on artistic expression.
Attendees also experienced a thought-provoking film screening of Reframing Paradise, a film that explores the story of FUZE, the Caribbean’s first regional art fair held in Nassau. The film highlights the evolving landscape of contemporary Caribbean art and the growing exchange of cultural ideas across the region.
The weekend also featured a dedicated Student Exhibition, showcasing the creativity and talent of young artists from participating high schools, reinforcing ArtLucaya’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives.
The success of ArtLucaya 2026 and its weekend programming was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, The Grand Bahama Port Authority and Carnival Cruise Lines. Their contributions covered all event-related expenses, ensuring that 100% of proceeds from the event will directly support participating high school art programs, strengthening arts education and creative development across Grand Bahama.
With a strong and engaging opening weekend, ArtLucaya 2026 continues to grow as an important cultural platform for Grand Bahama while celebrating artistic talent, inspiring creativity and bringing the community together through the power of the arts.
