Ministry Of Tourism and Hidden Worlds Launch Student Art Contest

NASSAU, Bahamas (24 Jan. 2023) – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is calling on all students between ages of 13 and 18 from throughout The Bahamas to submit creative artwork that brings awareness to ocean conservation. The student art contest is a part of Hidden World’s “Our Ocean, Our Future Immersive Experience” exhibit that will be on display in Miami, Florida, from 15 Feb. to 4 March 2023. 

Students will compete for top prizes, including a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification course from the Perry Institute for Marine Science, a Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island and passes to Baha Bay at Baha Mar. Also, the top 10 finalists will have an opportunity to display their artwork at the highly anticipated event, set for the Ampersand Studios in Wynwood — Miami’s famous art district.  

The exhibit is a collaboration between BMOTIA and Hidden Worlds Entertainment Inc. — an organization that promotes planet stewardship and raises awareness through immersive entertainment, focused on ocean conservation. Hidden World’s goal is to make sustainability fun through its exhibitions, captivating storytelling and a premium ocean-positive menu. 

Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism, underscored the collaboration as a bridge to the development of the tourism industry and the country’s commitment to the protection and preservation of the waters that surround The Bahamas.  

“This is a great opportunity for young Bahamians to showcase another hidden gem our 16-island destination has to offer — the undeniable brilliance and remarkable artistry of its people,” Duncombe said.  

“I am so eager to see the beautiful work that will come from this initiative and look forward to celebrating Bahamian talent on the global stage. I have no doubt that this will further promote the culture of continuous growth and development of our tourism product.”  

Students are invited to submit a digital copy of their artwork to the contest by 3rd February (5 p.m.) following the outlined submission guidelines.  There is no cost for submission. The finalists will be announced on 8 Feb., and the top three creations will be announced at the official opening of the exhibit on 15 Feb. 

Hidden Worlds’ educational and entertaining marine journey-show will feature multi-room art displays highlighting ocean conservation efforts in The Bahamas. The exhibit aims to captivate guests by engaging all five senses through immersive art displays, featuring curated artwork from Bahamian artisans Angelika Wallace-Whitfield and Andre Musgrove. The opening night will also feature a mouth-watering and unforgettable dinner experience of ocean positive dishes by Bahamian Chef Kevyn Pratt and ocean themed beverages by Mixologist Marv "Mr. Mix" Cunningham.  

The BMOTIA is proud to partner with local non-profit organisations and key stakeholders in local conservation and sustainability efforts including The Bahamas Protected Area Fund (BPAF), the Bahamas National Trust (BNT), Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), Coral Vita (CV), The Perry Institute for Marine Science, The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Blue Lagoon Island, Baha Mar Resort, the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board (GBITB), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), The Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), The Island School and  many more. 

A percentage of ticket sales from the exhibit will benefit Beneath the Waves, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ocean health using science and technology to catalyse ocean policy and protect threatened species – including their Blue Carbon Project and Shark Tagging efforts in The Bahamas. 

For more information on the contest and the event, please visit https://www.bahamas.com/OurOceanOurFutureArtContest. 

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ABOUT THE BAHAMAS  

The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travellers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth’s most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It’s Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. 

PRESS INQUIRIES 

Anita Johnson-Patty 
Director, Global Communications 
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation 
ajohnson@bahamas.com