Day of Absence Debate Promo Video

Imagine a day with no artists?

On February 11, 2009, the first Day of Absence was observed in the Bahamas with the above tag-line. This event was the brain child of Nicolette Bethel, prominent Bahamian anthropologist, scholar and playwright. With a demonstration at the College of the Bahamas and numerous blog posts, interviews and radio appearances, the Day of Absence captured the imagination of the Bahamian arts community.

On December 31, 2009, Bahamian writer and artist Ward Minnis, will release a comprehensive critique of the Day of Absence on http://www.mentalslavery.com, and also an abridged version at http://www.bahamapundit.com. In his essay Minnis questions many of assumptions upon which the event was based, and while he agrees that the Day of Absence filled a need, he feels that it should not continue in its present form.

On January 12, 2010, at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas at 6:30pm, the merits of both the Day of Absence and its critique will be debated between Nicolette Bethel, Ward Minnis and the Bahamian art community at large.

What is the role of the artist in Bahamian society? What part, if any, should the government play in the arts? Have Bahamian artists been absent from the wider society?

What do you think? Come, and let your voice be heard.

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People & Blogs

Tags:

• Bahamas
• artists
• art
• absence