Host Highlight: The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB)

What is the history/founding of the NAGB and how does that tie to the history of The Bahamas as a whole?

The NAGB occupies the Villa Doyle which was built in the 1860s by Sir Williams Henry Doyle, who served as Chief Justice and later as President of the Legislative Council of The Bahamas and was the first Bahamian born resident to be knighted. Following independence, the villa was neglected for two decades, which led to a rise in calls for its demolition. During a campaign led by NAGB’s Founding Chairman Dr. Gail Saunders, it was saved as a historic site. After an extensive renovation in the 1990s, Villa Doyle became the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas.

How does your museum support local Bahamian artists, history, and heritage?

With a defined mission to “educate, uplift and inspire” through Bahamian art, the NAGB provides a national platform for local artists and presents their work in exhibitions that are relevant to our community and reflect our stories. The mandate to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret historical and contemporary Bahamian art, with an aim towards promoting and supporting the culture globally, allows the NAGB to speak authoritatively to the history, breadth, and depth of the country’s visual arts community. As a result, visitors are exposed to a wide array of artwork—paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, installations, as well as video art. Exhibits rotate between established masters and young and emerging artists, demonstrating the diverse aspects of Bahamian art.

How does the NAGB engage with visitors in sharing Bahamian art, culture, history, and heritage?

Also included in the NAGB’s activities is a series of educational services, such as guided tours, lectures, panel discussions, and art programs for children. At the Mixed Media gift shop, a variety of local hand-crafted goods, including t-shirts, bags, artwork, and books, can be purchased. Dr. Erica James was the founding Director and first Curator, a post she held for eight years. The former Executive Director Amanda Coulson, served in that capacity for almost a decade. On April 30, 2021 Coulson’s tenure at the NAGB ended; however, her commitment to the NAGB will have a lasting impact on the institution and Bahamians for years to come.