New FUZE Art Residency Opens Door for Emerging Artists

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Baha Mar is deepening its commitment to local arts with the upcoming launch of a residency through its FUZE Arts program, giving emerging artists between 18 to 25 a chance to build their skills and profile.

So, what exactly does an artist residency look like?

Well, think of it as a professional retreat or creative incubator, where artists who are starting to make a name for themselves, get the opportunity to hone their skills, and master their craft in a dedicated creative space.

The residency will run three months during the summer, from June through August, and will select up to three artists to develop their work, while collaborating with leading figures in the Bahamian art community.

Vice President of Arts and Culture at Baha Mar, John Cox, says the idea grew out of last year’s FUZE Art Fair.

John Cox – VP, Art and Culture, Baha Mar

“ After last year’s edition of FUZE, the impetus was when we got Shepherd Fairy, the we poster done. And so when I reached out to him, he said that all of the proceeds from selling that poster could go towards some kind of cause.”

“And so we thought this was a good opportunity for us to kick off this residency prize that would be kind of spawned by FUZE. All of the proceeds from the poster and other fundraising could go towards this program.”

Applications are expected to be posted on the FUZE Art Fair social media page.

Meanwhile, Cox says the program is designed to challenge young artists while giving them valuable exposure.

John Cox – VP, Art and Culture, Baha Mar

“  You’re gonna have to be a part of a public forum. We have a collaboration with Royann Dean. She does these talks called Inspired/By, and so you will have to sit on a panel with her and she’s gonna be asking you questions about what your practice is, your ideas, what you think about environment and that kind of thing.”

“We also have a couple [of] studio visits. Antonio S Roberts is gonna be coming through, and [oversee] what’s going on with you, and then also, the big part of it is [that] you’re gonna have a booth at the FUZE Art Fair in October.”

At the end of the residency, participants will showcase their work to the public.

Their final pieces will be displayed as part of the FUZE Art Fair in October, giving them the chance to present their creations on a major platform.

Cox says it beyond the exhibition, as the program also highlights the growing value of creativity in today’s world.

John Cox – VP, Art and Culture, Baha Mar

“ The creative sphere, the creative intelligences, I think are part of the intelligences that you know [in] schools, especially here. We have a history of being very traditional, right? And kind of focusing on the kind of core intelligences or core subjects that we want students to do well in.”