Lifestyle

650 Students Welcomed At Baha Mar Culinary & Arts Festival

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s one of the most anticipated events in the country, the Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival, and this year, hundreds of students got the chance to experience it firsthand.

Published

5 months ago

October 22, 2025

Denielle Miller

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s one of the most anticipated events in the country, the Bahamas Culinary and Arts Festival, and this year, hundreds of students got the chance to experience it firsthand.

More than 650 students from schools across New Providence attended the FUZE Art Fair at Baha Mar on Tuesday, thanks to a special partnership between Scotiabank and Baha Mar.

“I stand to be corrected, it’s six hundred and fifty students,” said Our News Reporter Denielle Miller. “This initiative, presented by Scotiabank in partnership with Baha Mar, is all about exposing young people to the power of art and creativity.”

Melinda Cherfils, Wealth Manager Associate at Scotiabank, said the company has long invested in youth empowerment.

“We’ve been a part of the community for sixty years, and we’ve always believed in empowering young minds,” she said.

As part of the festival, Scotiabank also showcased its American Express Art Lounge, celebrating Bahamian culture through art. Assistant Manager of Fine Arts, Antwain Clarke, explained the concept behind the exhibit.

“We’re exhibiting three incredible Bahamian artists, Ralph Harris, known for his light and energy; Nicole Minnis of the legendary Minnis family; and emerging artist Keshelle Knowles,” Clarke shared.

For the students, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring.

“I’m very thankful for giving us a chance to be able to come here and learn new things,” said Taeja Pinder, a student attendee.
“It just gave me a lot of inspiration, allowed me to know that I should expand more,” added Kennea Newbold.

Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Baha Mar, Robert Sands, said the festival’s impact goes beyond art appreciation.

“We believe that art in the future will be the catalyst driving tourism and creating entrepreneurial opportunities for young Bahamian artists,” he noted. “What better way than to showcase and bring them to an event like this.”

The school tour continues through Friday, October 24th, giving even more students the chance to explore the creative possibilities within the Bahamian arts scene.