Baha Mar to Showcase Bahamas' Artistic Side

Meetings and convention planners considering an event at the $3.5 billion Baha Mar complex, officially opening next spring on Cable Beach in Nassau, not only will have one of the largest convention facilities in the Caribbean at their disposal but also one of the most art-filled.

"The Baha Mar Convention Art and Entertainment Center is among the largest in the region, but our primary focus is the flexibility and uniqueness of our facility," said Robert Sands, senior vice president of administration and external affairs at Baha Mar.

In addition to the 200,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meetings spaces, other venues at the center include patios, gardens and pre-function areas.

"Bahamian culture is incorporated at the convention center and throughout Baha Mar," Sands said.

"We're showcasing the Bahamian experience through the architecture, art and Bahamian staff as well as the high levels of service we will offer."

Centerpiece of the convention center is the Glass Window, which will feature curated shows with Baha Mar's art partners, including selected works on loan from the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, art from the extensive collection of Bahamian collector Dawn Davies and from the D'Aguilar Art Foundation, one of the largest private art collectors in the Bahamas.

Propertywide, Baha Mar will showcase approximately 12,000 pieces of art in public spaces and hotels.

The Glass Window can accommodate about 300 pieces with exhibits that will change on a regular basis.

Other art venues include the Current, located at the foot of the Convention Center Bridge, which will house an art studio for residencies and workshops; gallery space for exhibits and lectures; and retail space.

The Glass Bridge, located in the Melia hotel, will focus on contemporary art by emerging artists.

Selected meetings and convention planners have been touring Baha Mar prior to the official opening.

"We want them to get a good look at what we have to offer their clients," Sands said.

Agents and tour operators, as well, are getting sneak previews at Baha Mar, and Sands indicated "tremendous interest from all who have toured the complex as well as from U.S. and international travelers. There's a lot of excitement surrounding Baha Mar's debut."