BAHAMIAN ARTWORK COMMISSIONED FOR NEW AIRPORT TERMINALS
Nassau, Bahamas March 24, 2010—The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) today announced the commissioning of works by eleven Bahamian artists for the new terminal redevelopment project.
Over the past several months artists were asked to submit their portfolios to the airport’s Artwork Committee. A total of 75 different ideas were presented for final consideration.
The nine-member committee is made up of a cross section of individuals from the local art and culture community, airport executives, architects and members of the business community. The group deliberated carefully on March 11 and 12 until making a final decision.
Dr. Erica James, Director of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas and a member of the art committee said choosing art to fit an airport terminal was a unique experience.
“In addition to considering the concepts put forth by each artist, we also had to take into account how a diverse audience would relate to the art and how the individual pieces would work in a high traffic environment like an airport.”
Final selections include indoor and outdoor art ranging from traditional concepts to more avant-garde designs.
“We wanted to incorporate art that worked with the overall airport design,” said Craig Richmond, President & CEO at NAD. “Our goal is to use art to convey the natural beauty of the Bahamian archipelago and to give our passengers a feel for the culture of The Bahamas. I believe that we have succeeded in doing that with these selections.”
The following artists were selected for the various phases of construction:
Phase One (2011) – U. S. Departures Terminal
John Beadle
Nicole Sweeting
John Cox
Susan Katz-Lightbourne
Phase Two (2012) – International Arrivals
Maxwell Taylor
Jolyn Smith
Keisha Oliver
Melissa Maura
Imogine Walkine
Phase Three (2013) – International and Domestic Departures; Domestic Arrivals
Dede Brown
John Paul
Approximately $2 million has been allocated for airport artwork. Additional sites for permanent art will be assigned in the coming months. The new development will also incorporate rotating artwork for local artists to display temporary pieces for up to six months in the terminal.
The NAD Artwork Committee consists of:
The Hon. Frank Watson, Art Committee Chair, Chairman, NAD
Craig Richmond, Art Committee Deputy Chair, President & CEO, NAD
Stewart Steeves, Vice President of Airport Development & Project Director, NAD
Ed Fields, Director, NAD
Cyprian Gibson, Director, NAD
Dr. Erica James, Director, National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
Dr. Gail Saunders, Director General, Heritage
Mike Alexiou, NAD Artwork Coordinator
Reece Chipman, President & Chairman, Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants
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Media Contact:
Shonalee King Johnson
Manager, Communications
Nassau Airport Development Company
(242) 702-1061
(242) 376-3617 mobile
Shonalee.Johnson@nas.bs
