PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 1st APRIL 2009 – 31st MARCH 2010
A new and energized Executive Committee set about to make the Barbados Arts Council more efficient, visible and relevant in the community. I‟ve seldom seen such sustained zeal and passion from any BAC executive and take this opportunity to publicly thank all members for sharing of their ideas, experience, time and even finance. Our meetings were extremely productive as members freely expressed their views and while we frequently differed in approach to some matters there was always a sense of mutual respect among members.
The Executive comprised of:
Neville Legall President
Rashid Boodhoo 1st Vice President
Gordon Ashby 2nd Vice President
Zan McDowell Honorary Secretary
Patricia Browne Assistant Secretary
Allan Ashby Honorary Treasurer
Floor Members;
Wayne Collymore-Taylor
Leo Charles
Keith Blackett
Aubrey Cummings
Virgil Broodhagen
Corrie Scott Publicity/PR
Several opportunities to exhibit work were afforded our members as the gallery staged mostly group shows during the year. It is pleasing to observe the development of newer artists as they continue to display and interact with others. Our more experienced artists are still very supportive both to newer artists and in submitting work to the gallery. We therefore can boast that our shows are generally of a high quality. This quality however, did not necessarily result in improved sales as the impact of the worldwide economic recession has manifested itself through the reduction of visitors to the gallery and in overall sales.
In association with The National Art Gallery Committee, the BAC hosted a reception for delegates to the Conference on Caribbean Curatorship and National Identity in November. A special show was mounted for the occasion and a great time was had by all.
To better market ourselves the BAC has advertised in „The Ins and Outs of Barbados.” We also set up a website which is expertly handled by Corrie Scott and is regularly updated, keeping members and the public informed. This exposure has evidently generated greater interest in the BAC and the membership count has been growing over the last financial year. Interested persons can now download our application form, complete it and at their convenience get it to the gallery. Other initiatives, including technology and special projects are currently being pursued as we intend to remain the preferred visual arts organisation in Barbados. The BAC now has a mission statement and logo that seeks to reiterate the organization‟s community focused development and exposure of artistic ability. A new and enhanced membership card will very soon be in the possession of members.
A few members took advantage of the amnesty we implemented to attract those whose subscriptions were in arrears. The membership fee has now been raised from $30.00 to $40.00 yearly. As we continue to service our membership this slight increase was necessary.
On a sad note, Aubrey Cummings passed away during the year. Aubrey, often quiet and unassuming, was a very faithful member of the BAC over the years and had freely given of his talents whenever the occasion demanded. I‟m sure that some members miss his enlightened conversations as his contribution is missed at Executive meetings. We also note the passing of members Judith Inniss, Kathleen Grace and Elizabeth Pink (Sister Ann). They all contributed in their own unique way during their sojourn on earth.
We've come to depend heavily on the commitment of our staff and both Mrs. Warden and Mrs. Ifill worked assiduously, often beyond regular hours, to facilitate the business of the gallery. Their stability is an asset to the BAC and no words can truly express the gratitude they deserve. We also express thanks to Ms Debbie Bishop who has volunteered her time to learn the ways of the BAC and assist wherever possible especially when a regular staff member is on holiday. Debbie has also filled the post left vacant by the passing of Aubrey Cummings.
I wish to express sincere thanks to all who supported the work of the BAC during the period under review. Special appreciation is extended to all who assisted with the hanging, openings, publicity and general maintenance of the premises.
The world is facing some challenges and the cultural industries are now expected to feature in the economic recovery of several countries. In Barbados, we‟ve heard the speeches by politicians and also major figures in the cultural domain. I hope they can appreciate that the financial support and investment is a prerequisite if indeed the arts can be sustained and developed to the point of being considered as industries.
Neville Legall
President, Barbados Arts Council