FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – July 29, 2024 — ArtLucaya 2024, the second annual festival celebrating creativity and artistry, concluded with a significant initiative to support Arts education across Grand Bahama. The festival, held from April 12 to 14, 2024, successfully raised $10,000 that will benefit local schools by providing essential art supplies.
Under the theme “Show Me Ya Motion!”, ArtLucaya 2024 showcased the works of 50 artists, plus 16 emerging talents from Grand Bahama’s high schools. The festival also featured a student art show named Colibri, meaning hummingbird in Taino. The hummingbird was seen by the Lucayans as the spreader of life on earth, which is very fitting as our local students continue to grow their artistic prowess.
In a bid to foster and expand the island’s arts community, ArtLucaya has directed the proceeds towards five participating schools, including Bishop Michael Eldon School, Lucaya International School, Eight Mile Rock School, Sunland Baptist Academy, and Jack Hayward Senior High School, in addition to the Art Association Mentoring Program. Art teachers from these schools were present on site to receive the donation, expressing their appreciation and enthusiasm for participating again next year.
“Art is a very expensive venture. It is great to have access to proper materials, which allows students the opportunity to create Fine Art and produce exceptional works towards a goal. Initiatives like the ArtLucaya exhibition elevate this experience for students to another level,” said Ben Ferguson Jr., Visual Arts teacher at Jack Hayward Senior High School.
The schools will receive credits at local businesses, including Kelly’s, Home Fabrics, and Bellevue Gifts, aimed at bolstering their art programs and encouraging artistic development among students, who are eagerly looking forward to future art festivals.
“We are committed to nurturing creativity and cultural enrichment in our community,” said Fatima-Zahra Kaboub, Founder & Chairman of ArtLucaya. “By supporting our high schools with essential art supplies, we aim to empower the next generation of artists and ensure the sustainability of our vibrant arts community.”
Lisa Codella, artist and ArtLucaya secretary, expressed gratitude, stating, “On behalf of the artists of Grand Bahama, I would like to thank the founder of ArtLucaya, Fatima-Zarah Kaboub, for her vision to showcase our local talent and develop Grand Bahama into a hub for art and creativity. We applaud the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) for realizing that one of their priorities should be to harness the power of art and culture in our community.”
Sarah St. George, Acting Chairman of GBPA, praised the ArtLucaya initiative, stating, “I have been deeply moved by the ArtLucaya initiative and commend the artists for drawing in the community with their masterpieces. Thank you for fostering the young artists on the island. It’s crucial to nurture and never lose creative talents, as art feeds the soul, inspires, and is an integral part of our culture.”
St. George believes that ArtLucaya’s impact extends beyond the realm of art, resonating deeply within the broader community and tourism sector. She highlighted this symbiotic relationship, noting the imminent surge in tourism anticipated to transform Grand Bahama Island.
“The next 12-24 months will bring an explosion of tourism to our island, driven by the significant increase in cruise ships and passengers expected at the new Carnival Port, Celebration Key, and the expanded harbour,” Ms. St. George said. “Anticipating 2-4 million tourists annually, this influx presents a tremendous opportunity. With a younger demographic increasingly seeking immersive cultural experiences, initiatives like the ArtLucaya festival play a vital role in showcasing the rich artistic heritage and vibrant culture of Grand Bahama Island.”
Save the dates! From April 4th to April 6th, 2025, the ArtLucaya festival returns, promising three days of artistic expression, cultural immersion, and community spirit on Grand Bahama Island.
“We are grateful for the community’s support and participation, which has enabled us to make a tangible difference in Arts education on the island,” Kaboub concluded. “ArtLucaya looks forward to continuing to celebrate and promote local talent through future festivals.”
