BY: LATONYA ROBERTS
Journal staff Writer

On Monday the government of The Bahamas signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts in the
amount of $340,000. The MOU will provide financial support to enable the centre
to upgrade both the Winston V. Saunders Auditorium and the Philip Burrows Black
Box Studio.
Prime Minister Philip Davis spoke about the significance of the improvements that
are sure to come amidst signing the MOU.
“Today is a landmark occasion. With the signing of this MOU, we take a
significant step forward in strengthening the creative economy of The Bahamas.
This moment is part of a broader vision, one that reflects our Administration’s
commitment to the orange economy, recognizing the immense cultural and
economic value of the arts”.
He also said, “our goal is to help the Dundas solidify its role as the home of
Bahamian theatre—a place where existing Bahamian works can be archived and
celebrated, and where new talent can be nurtured and developed. The Dundas has
already made great strides, but we believe there is even greater potential to be
unlocked. This MOU also establishes a key partnership with CAPAS, the new
Creative and Performing Arts School of The Bahamas, set to open later this year”.
During the meeting of Parliament on Wednesday morning, Minister of Youth,
Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg referring to the Deputy Speaker of the House of
Assembly said, “Mr. Speaker, under the MOU the government will support the
Dundas in delivering a strategic plan. This includes, bringing back into use, the
buildings and equipment which suffered extensive damage during the covid
lockdowns.”
Minister Bowleg added, “developing and performing new Bahamian work,
engaging schools and other sections of the community, and development of
sustainable financial plan.”
The Chair of the Dundas, Dr. Nicolette Bethel expressed the importance of the
MOU for not only the centre but performers as well.

“After Covid, when we were closed for eighteen months, we have been closed
since and we have not been able to generate revenue. This is timely because it will
allow us to develop and to grow our vision.”
Speaking about future upgrades, Dr. Bethel said, “we have a vision. We have two
theaters on the property now, most people can only see the big one in front, but we
have a little one in the back. We have three performing arts theaters on the property
as well as a number of other facilities for the performing arts.”
The Prime Minister also spoke about a new performance centre that is said to be on
a list of advancements coming to the country’s performing arts sector.
“Additionally, this agreement supports collaboration with a new ‘National
Performing Arts Centre’, which we are developing to elevate the creative arts
sector. These partnerships will provide access to: rehearsal spaces, training and
workshops, employment opportunities, long-term sustainability planning for all
organizations involved”, he said.