Artisan members of the Creative Nassau Market held their annual meeting recently to discuss plans for 2016 whilst offering congratulations to Gevon Moss who was promoted to the post of Executive Director of the Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP), which organizes the set up of the Pompey Square event.
Started in September of 2014, the market has grown in the last sixteen months.
It has expanded from a bi-monthly event to twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays; increased from 20 artisans to a burgeoning 60 plus vendors who offer an exciting array of ‘true-true’ Bahamian crafts and folk arts ranging from sponges, jewelry, straw and junkanoo inspired products, clothing for people and animals, beautiful handicrafts and souvenirs utilizing Bahamian grown materials, jams and pepper sauces, photographs, art, books and so much more.
“The Market has been very successful”, stated Rosemary Hanna, the Creative Nassau coordinator.
“The economic climate that we are experiencing demands that entrepreneurship be encouraged to provide opportunity for income generation and empowerment. Creative Nassau is all about promoting and celebrating Bahamian art, culture and heritage from the inside out, amongst the people. Bahamians need to be more self sufficient and we can see how this Market is making a positive difference.
“The Creative Nassau Market exemplifies community – we work together as a team to make a creative tourism experience that is informative and exciting, not only for the visitors, but also for our fellow artisans and the general public. We are so proud to be able to offer our clientele Bahamian products that reflect uniqueness and high quality workmanship. Thanks to our partner, the DNP, our artisans have a gorgeous venue in which to work and we want to ensure that persons who visit us experience a ‘true true’ taste of Bahamian hospitality.”
At the meeting the assembled group brainstormed ways to improve the market, their products and their marketing skills. They ended by celebrating Mr Moss’ promotion.
“This is a well deserved honour and we could not ask for a better partner,” stated Creative Nassau President, Pam Burnside. “Known affectionately as ‘Mr Mayor’ by the group, Gevon exemplifies diligence, organization and commitment along with a whole lot of caring. We totally appreciate all that he does to make the Creative Nassau Market a success – we could not do it without him!”
The Creative Nassau Market hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each Wednesday and Friday in Pompey Square. The public is urged to attend and patronize the artisans. Rosemary Hanna’s photographs of the weekly event are posted on the facebook pages every week!
