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Losing Our Steps: Intangible Culture, Living Memory, and the Space for a Culture to Exist

By Dr. Ian Bethell-Bennett.  “And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. The LORD shall smite thee with madness, and blindness, and astonishment of heart.  Deuteronomy 28: 23 + 28.”  I cannot say why this quote from Los pasos perdidos (1953) by Alejo Carpentier the Cuban writer and musicologist resonates with the work of capturing or documenting cultural heritage in the Southern Bahamas. However, these words capture beyond reason so much of what time has done in these islands. We, as a people, also treat Bahamians as if they were second-class citizens in their country. The system of paradise and exploitation, created during piracy and continued during colonialism, is not about white against black but rather about a system of exploiting those who cannot—or are not allowed—to speak for self because they are repeatedly told they do not have souls, they are not human and they should be grateful to be allowed to be near such greatness. 

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Building Regional Allyship: Bridging the Gap with Art

Director of the NAGB, Amanda Coulson, writes about her recent experience being an invited juror to the Jamaica Biennial which will open in February 2017 at the National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ). By building regional ally-ship and bridging the regional gap with art projects, this collaborative exchange between both institutions signals new growth and circulation in the industry. 

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Bahamian contingent at MAC 2016

The Museums Association of the Caribbean convenes in the Cayman Islands. Sunken ships, fossilised bones, film screenings, and apps for paintings: what is the common denominator? Museums. Preservation and interpretation of our cultural artefacts offer keys to understanding ourselves as Caribbean subjects, and The Museum Association of The Caribbean (MAC) is an indicator in encouraging these conversations and practices.

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‘A Sustainable Nassau?’ Working Towards the Possible

Ian Bethel-Bennett writes for the Nassau Guardian:  The results of months of planning and international cooperation between Austrian students and College of the Bahamas students, along with investment from the International Development Bank (IDB), the plans by the Sustainable Nassau Urban Lab were launched on Friday 29th July, 2016, at The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

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The Creative Industries: ‘New’ Waves of Development

Creative industries are a ‘new’ fixture in the discussions among government development folks. They want to expand the reach of the creative industries and link these with tourism. Creative industries are about celebrating all that is creative and allowing these creative areas to generate new streams of income for the country. Music and dance comprise the creative industries.

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The Drawbridge by Graycliff

Anyone who’s walked or driven along West Hill Street probably can’t help but notice the healthy palette of colors on the buildings facing Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant. Paolo and Sharon Gazaroli, a husband and wife duo who are part of the Graycliff family, have undertaken a long-term commitment to revitalize West Hill Street, a main component of the area known as Historic Charles Towne. 

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What to expect at Transforming Spaces 2016

Since it was established 11 years ago, the annual Transforming Spaces art tour has sought to introduce locals to the country’s artists as well as galleries and art hubs around New Providence. A bus tour seemed the appropriate way to guide guests to each creative space, providing them with a solid overview of some of the island’s established galleries.

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