NASSAU, The Bahamas – During the Launch of the National Cultural Artist Registry Website, on April 14, 2025, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg said that the event marked “another bold step forward in the Government of The Bahamas’ ongoing commitment to empowering our creative economy”.
“The creative and cultural industries – known globally as the Orange Economy – are not just about art, music, or film,” Minister Bowleg said at the event held at the Ivy Dumont Building, on University Boulevard. “They are about innovation, identity, and economic potential; and here in The Bahamas, a significant portion of this vibrant sector falls under the care of the Division of Cultural Affairs.”
He added: “We believe – without question – that the creative economy is a major economic sector in its own right. But for it to receive the recognition and investment it truly deserves, we must do more than acknowledge its value. We must quantify it, promote it, and create spaces for it to grow.”
Among those present were Minister of Education andTechnical and Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin and members of her Ministry’s executive leadership; the executive team of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; and other stakeholders,
Minister Bowleg noted that Bahamian creatives already know their worth, and said that “we see their brilliance”.
“Now, we must collect the data to prove their impact, not just locally, but globally,” he stated.
“We also firmly believe that Bahamian talent ranks among the best in the world,” he added. “And we want the world to know it. The phrase‘242 to the world’ is more than a slogan – it is our rallying cry.
“Our vision is for Bahamian creatives to claim their rightful share of the global economy, exporting their talents, goods, and services to audiences far and wide.”
Minister Bowleg noted that The Bahamas National Cultural Artist Registry Website was a small but significant leap toward that goal.
“This platform, developed with the support of UNESCO, is designed to create global visibility and opportunity for our creative community. It’s more than a website – it is a gateway to the world,” he said.
Minister Bowleg continued: “To our creatives: this platform was built for you. Use it. Own it. Promote your work, expand your reach, and let this be the launchpad for your next big break. The Division of Cultural Affairs stands ready to support you on this journey -- in every project, performance, and production.”
He also thanked UNESCO and “all of our partners who helped bring this vision to life”.
“Your support has helped lay the foundation, but this is just the beginning,” Minister Bowleg said. “The website will continue to evolve as more creatives register and share their work. We want this to become the go-to hub for Bahamian cultural products and services – a place where international clients, collaborators, and audiences come to discover the best of The Bahamas.”
“Our expectation is simple: that our creatives strive for excellence, deliver quality, and seize every opportunity – because the next click, the next visitor, the next client could be the one to take your brand global,” he added.
