College of The Bahamas Opens Performing Arts Centre

Artist Kendal Hanna receives the E Clement Bethel Award from Mr Bethel's widow, Dr Keva Bethel (left) Past President of the College of the Bahamas. The College's current President, Janyne Hodder, is pictured at right. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

NASSAU, Bahamas - After undergoing major renovation, the Performing Arts Centre of the College of the Bahamas was officially opened during the 20th annual ‘Colour of Harmony’ exposition on May 26 which featured the artistic talents of students.
 
Governor General, His Excellency Arthur D. Hanna, said the College has "far exceeded the expectations" of those who conceived the idea forty years ago.
 
“If those who had conceived the idea of this College back in l967, such as people like Rodney Bain, could see its transformation today, they would be amazed.
 
"Today it’s an institution that awards a cross-section of degrees and it is certainly an institution of which we all can be proud. Indeed, we never expected the College could progress so quickly,” said Mr Hanna.
 
According to College President, Janyne Hodder, the opening of the Centre, situated on the Oakes Field campus, was "a dream that has finally become a reality."
 
“It is fitting that ‘Colour of Harmony’ should mark the opening of this facility," she said. "It is an amalgamation of art and music - an ideal vehicle to highlight the versatility of the Centre.
 
Colour of Harmony is one of the College’s oldest and longest running annual events.
 
Renovation of the Centre has been one of the College's major projects.
 
“All have been designed to improve our facilities to make the student and the faculty have a more enjoyable, enriching experience and to assist us in our mission to support and drive national development through education, research, innovation and service,” said Ms Hodder.
 
The Performing Arts Centre is a modern, fully equipped centre with a 400-seat capacity. It is capable of supporting live stage productions, lectures, symposiums, exhibitions, movies and concerts.
 
Through the Centre, the College seeks to encourage creative potential and enrich the intellectual and cultural life experiences of students, host performances by local and international companies and artists, and create an environment were artists and students of the arts can develop and learn.
 
The Centre features computer controlled theatrical lighting and sound systems, dressing rooms with private bathrooms, public restrooms, a fully equipped concession counter, and a concession support area with fountain drinks, ice, heaters and coolers.
 
It also has a director/manager's office, box office, and a computer-based ticketing and reservations system is to be installed.
 
The Centre has a projection screen, a video projector and a video control system for projector, screen, DVD, VCR and other technical equipment.
 
With a high-tech stage equipped with the highest industry standards stage curtains; a loading bay to the left of the stage; a stage support/storage room to the right (for items such as the piano, podium and other stage equipment associated with productions). A baby grand piano was purchased in April, 2008. 

 
The evening was capped with the presentation of the coveted E. Clement Bethel award to celebrated Bahamian Artist, Kendal Hanna, one of the forerunners of abstract painting in the Bahamas.
 
The award was presented by Past President of the College, Dr. Keva Bethel, widow of E Clement Bethel.
 
She hailed Mr Hanna as "someone who has been a dear friend and colleague in the arts."
 
"From l962, Mr Hanna participated in the Nassau Festival of Arts and Crafts and we became very aware of the very special talent that he brought to our country," said Dr Bethel. "It is very pleasing for me to present this award to him.
 
“This is also a very special moment for me. Suffice it to say, this was the centre of my life for the sixteen years I taught at the (former) Government High School. I spent many hours on this stage and of course, once the College moved here in l976, this was my home again.
 
"So it is absolutely charged with nostalgia and I’m proud to see all the wonderful potential of this space. This was once a major community centre during the Goombay summers celebrations.
 
"So thank you College/University of the Bahamas for making this space come to life in this way," said Dr Bethel.