CREATIVE NASSAU HAS AN UPDATED LOGO TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY!
As we prepare to proudly celebrate our 10th Anniversary this year 2024 as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts, we are excited to share our new updated Creative Nassau logo which has a fresh, crisp new look during this springtime rejuvenation month, thanks to the artistic graphic skills of CN Communications and Marketing member, P. Neko Meicholas!
The original logo was designed by CN member and Master Artist, John Cox. It depicts the hands of our founder, the late Jackson L. Burnside III, pressed together and open for giving and to offer assistance! The colours are reminiscent of our Turquoise Blue skies and waters as well as the Golden colour of our flag depicting our sunshine, and the Golden opportunity of our Creativity - depicted in the colour Orange to signify the Orange Economy - to move our country Forward Upward Onward Together as stated in the Motto of our Country that is found on the Bahamian Coat of Arms!
COME CELEBRATE WITH US!
For almost a century, Nassau has enjoyed an economy based primarily on tourism. Few destinations anywhere in the world can rival the reputation the city holds as an established brand for hospitality and beauty. However, the country also boasts rich cultural traditions in the craft of straw work and the folk art festival of junkanoo, both of which are firmly grounded in Bahamian history and heritage, upon which Creative Nassau is concentrating its efforts.
Creative Nassau's objective is to expose and promote these indigenous crafts and folk arts by enhancing awareness, appreciation and celebration of Bahamian art, culture and heritage. Having obtained the official designation for Nassau as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts on December 1, 2014 from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Creative Nassau continues in its quest to develop a Creative Tourism model to stimulate these areas.
Members of Creative Nassau, along with Executive Members of the Downtown Nassau Partnership officially unveiled the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Banner at the Creative Nassau Pompey Square Market in March 2015. Left to right: Pam Burnside CN President, Dr Davidson Hepburn, CN Secretary, Vernice Walkine DNP, Patricia Glinton Meicholas, CN Vice President, Rosemary Hanna, Charles Klonaris and "Mayor" Gevon Moss of the DNP.
THE CREATIVE NASSAU MARKET IN POMPEY SQUARE, BAY STREET, NASSAU
In partnership with the Downtown Nassau Partnership, Creative Nassau held its first monthly crafts and folk arts Market in Downtown Nassau's Pompey Square on Friday, September 26, 2014 with over 20 artisans showcasing their indigenous hand made crafts for sale to both visitors and local patrons. The initial monthly market has grown steadily over the years and now takes place twice a week every TUESDAY AND FRIDAY from 9am - 5pm in Pompey Square and has become a sought after event in the centre of downtown Nassau. There has been a regular increase of artisans and a wide range of products which range from exquisite Bahamian straw items, junkanoo souvenirs, fine art, Bahamian literature and hand made musical instruments, beautiful jewelry and accessories fashioned from local materials, native sponges, local preserves, drinks and popsicles, pet accessories, and much more! A trip to Nassau would not be complete without visiting this 'true-true' venue! Photos kind courtesy of Rosemary C. Hanna and A. Pinder
CREATIVE NASSAU'S OFFICIAL LAUNCH MAY 2014
On Friday, May 16, 2014 Creative Nassau held their Official Launch and website 'Go Live' event at Doongalik Studios in Nassau, under the patronage of His Excellency, Sir Arthur Foulkes. The evening was a huge success and the ecstatic crowd were treated to a fabulous junkanoo and straw exhibition.
Junkanoo exhibitors included Quentin 'Barabbas' Woodside's 'Junkanoo World' and Arlene and Silbert Ferguson's 'Educulture', souvenirs by Charles Outten and Philip Darville, a variety of junkanoo art works in all media, along with a fabulous straw display from world renowned Harl Taylor BAG designed by award winning fashion designer David Rolle assisted by Ray Anna Smith, and other original, authentic Bahamian straw products by Keesha Miller and The Plait Lady. Entertainment was provided by Barabbas' Youth Band which demonstrated their musical talents with rake n' scrape, steel pan and junkanoo music as well as their marching band prowess.
Creative Nassau partners, the Lignum Vitae Centre of Hope and 'Movement for Change' representatives, Valentino 'Scrooge' Brown and Ulrich Voges, were also on hand to talk about their projects. A grand time was had by all as demonstrated in the photographs below courtesy of CN member, Rosemary Hanna, and Kim Smith.
After receiving news of its successful application on December 1, Creative Nassau held a Press Conference at Doongalik Studios to celebrate this newsworthy event with its community partners: former Governor General, Sir Arthur Foulkes, Sandra Knowles of the Cable Bahamas Cares Foundation, Kevin Turnquest of 'Bahamas Then and Now,' Ed Fields of the Downtown Nassau Partnership, and Dr Leon Higgs of The Bahamas National Commission for UNESCO.
