The Transforming Spaces Committee held a Press Conference at the Towne Hotel to explain its mission and to introduce its new branding campaign whilst announcing plans for the new and exciting TS2016 Art Tour entitled “SWELL – Community + Collaboration” scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 12 and 13.

Recently incorporated as a non-profit organization headed by Founding Members: Jay Koment, President; John Cox, Vice President; Antonius Roberts, Treasurer; and Pam Burnside, Secretary,  the organization’s mission of educating the public about Bahamian art; exposing, promoting and supporting local artists; challenging artists to think and create in innovative ways; exposing current trends in Bahamian art as well as in the international arena; dialoguing and collaborating with art communities regionally and internationally; and raising funds to support these programmes was outlined.

The organization’s new branding images were designed by dynamic creative duo Cydne Coleby and Khia Poitier. The creative vision for TS was to present a brand that was fresh, modern, and adaptable. The design offers a unique opportunity to highlight art within the negative space of the logo creating opportunities for engagement with the larger art community and endless possibilities for marketing and merchandising. The re-branding effort utilizes sleek and contemporary fonts and colors that amount to an overall adaptive branding system that can be reformatted and refashioned as needed. The re-design also extends to digital and social media platforms, most notably on the organization’s website www.tsbahamas.com and facebook page.

Attired in their branded TS2016 logo shirts, the TS Committee shared their plans for this year’s Art Tour which will take place for the first time at the main venue of the Towne Hotel on George Street. Towne Hotel owners, Ron and Isabella Overend were honoured to partner with the Committee to host this year’s art event at their venue which already displays pieces of their personal collection of Bahamian Art. “We have always attended the Transforming Spaces Art Tour and now we will be hosting it at our establishment!” stated Ron. “The Tour will take place in five rooms on the upper floor, as well as the landings and the ground floor pool area which will all be transformed for the event. It is very exciting to be involved and we look forward to hosting the many visitors during that weekend, whilst also exposing our regular hotel guests to the beauty of Bahamian Art!” The Towne Hotel Exhibition will be open to TS2016 patrons from 1pm until 10pm on Saturday and from 1pm until 4pm on Sunday. Food and drink will also be available for sale.

The Transforming Spaces Board, who extended an Invitational Call to artists, will be curating the Towne Hotel exhibition along with Dede Brown and Holly Bynoe. John Cox explained the rationale behind the theme’s title: “The word “SWELL” refers to not only the powerful image of the motion of our ocean’s waves, but also the increasing growth of the Bahamian artistic movement, which we, as an art community, have been encouraging for decades. Recognizing the importance of strengthening the community through working together, we have encouraged the artists in this exhibition to collaborate with other artists in designing their pieces.”

Antonius Roberts added, “We continue to mentor and promote the younger generation of emerging Bahamian artists as well as push the boundaries of artistic expression so that we stay in tune with global trends.  Having catered to over 4,000 appreciative patrons over twelve years of hard work, the time has come for us, as Bahamian artists, to make our voices heard within the international arena by showing the world that Bahamian art has a powerful role to play. ”

Pam Burnside stated, “During these very difficult times in our Bahamian society when we are surrounded by so much negativity, our vision for TS2016 is that we, as artists, can provide the public with a feeling of hope and encouragement, realizing that art has the ability of fortifying us as a people to withstand life’s many daily challenges. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Charitable Art Foundation who has been a sponsor of this event for many years and was the first once again to sign up this year. We encourage other individuals as well as corporate sponsors to come on board because as my late husband stated:  Art belongs to everyone and to ensure its stability and development we all must work together, join all of our strengths and give our full support.”

In addition to the Towne Hotel venue, there will also be exhibition openings and activities taking place during the week at participating satellite art galleries. On Wednesday, March 9, Popop ICVA, curated by John Cox and Heino Schmid will show “Triple Double” a selection of work by 14 artists along with Open Studios, and New Providence Art & Antiques at Popop will open with a show curated by Jay Koment showcasing the Junkanoo process in Production and the D’Aguilar Art Foundation which will be exhibiting ‘Jammin’ 4’, curated by Tessa Whitehead. Hillside House, curated by Antonius Roberts, will be exhibiting the work of various artists entitled “Tourists Only” which will open to the public on Thursday evening, March 10 along with The Central Bank of The Bahamas’ Art Gallery which will feature a graphic themed show by 6 artists along with a ceramics exhibit in the Great House at the Central Bank, curated by Jodi Minnis. In addition, an Open Call is being placed for artwork to be displayed on Saturday only in “The Fringe” which will use the Central Bank’s outdoor perimeter as a venue.

On Saturday morning, patrons are invited to once again visit the satellite galleries to enjoy an additional cross-cultural artistic event at their leisure. They will have the benefit of moving between the various venues by shuttle buses provided by Bahamas Experience Travel and Tours, who have been a sponsor of the TS events since its inception. Trained TS Ambassadors will be available at all of the locations to offer assistance throughout the day.

TS President, Jay Koment stated “We are looking forward to another creatively uplifting event for 2016, and we invite the public to join us for this experience.” Tickets, still priced at $35, will afford patrons entry into all the venues and events and will be available for purchase at the beginning of February at Hillside House, Cumberland Street; the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, West Hill Street; and Doongalik Studios on Village Road.