Arts & Culture

A New Chapter for the Arts in Grand Bahama: Inside MOSAIC

The story of MOSAIC is a story of resilience, creativity, and community spirit.

On Grand Bahama Island, where palm trees sway beside buildings still marked by past storms, a new, vibrant, and hopeful space dedicated to the arts has emerged. It’s called MOSAIC, and it’s more than just an art gallery; it’s a symbol of creative resilience and a gathering place for a community still healing from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Once a hurricane-worn building that served as both a synagogue and, later, the Grand Bahama Youth Choir’s home, the space sat quiet after back-to-back natural disasters. Now, thanks to a transformative renovation, MOSAIC stands as a beacon of rebirth and imagination.

A New Home for Art on the Island

MOSAIC is the newest and most vibrant art space in Grand Bahama—a hub for both visual and performing arts. It houses two galleries, a space for experimental theatre and intimate performances, and an open-air patio and garden. It’s also home to the island’s leading creative collectives: the Grand Bahama Artists Association (GBAA) and ArtLucaya, the annual Grand Bahama Art Festival.

Its name, MOSAIC, was chosen to represent unity in diversity—a fitting metaphor for the many artistic voices that come together within its walls.

The gallery’s successful debut exhibition, “Steady Sunward,” which opened this past May, drew from a line in the Bahamian national anthem. It captured the island’s collective spirit—looking forward, rising strong, and creating beauty out of adversity. With over 50 local artists participating, the exhibition reflected both personal expression and shared experience, setting a high standard for what’s to come.

More Than a Venue: A Community Cornerstone

More than a venue, MOSAIC is a “third place”—not home, not work, but a space for people to gather, share ideas, and build community. It’s a much-needed cornerstone for the cultural landscape of Grand Bahama, where the arts have long existed without a permanent, unifying space.

This vision is perhaps best captured by Fatima-Zahra Kaboub, Founder of ArtLucaya. In her own words, “MOSAIC is more than a building—it’s a living testament to the creativity and cultural pride of Grand Bahama. Our vision is for it to be a space where artists and audiences connect, where stories of The Bahamas are celebrated, and where the next generation of creators can find inspiration and opportunity.” 

She continues, “We believe MOSAIC will stand as a beacon for the arts in Grand Bahama so that our local talent can use it as a stepping stone to make an impact throughout the region and beyond. At its heart, MOSAIC belongs to the people of Grand Bahama. It is a space where artists can come together, where creativity is nurtured, and where every voice has the chance to be heard. Our goal is to create a home for the arts that reflects the spirit of our island—welcoming, vibrant, and rooted in community pride.” 

This is what makes MOSAIC so important: it’s not only about showcasing art but also about nurturing belonging, encouraging collaboration, and giving young Bahamians a place to see themselves as creators.

Impact and Inspiration

MOSAIC isn’t just for seasoned artists—it’s also for the wider community. Students from local schools now have opportunities to engage with art in ways that weren’t previously possible. Through workshops, exhibitions, and community-led projects, the gallery is planting seeds for the next generation of Bahamian creatives.

Its impact goes beyond culture. By offering artists new opportunities to exhibit and sell their work, MOSAIC supports livelihoods and helps keep talent rooted in The Bahamas. With millions of visitors projected in the coming years, the gallery has the potential to become a unique cultural attraction—one that highlights Bahamian creativity on the global stage while contributing to the island’s economic recovery.

A Cultural Renaissance in Motion

With the unwavering support and dedication of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), the Grand Bahama Artists Association (GBAA), and a host of local artists and volunteers, MOSAIC represents a turning point. It reflects not only what has been rebuilt, but also what is being reimagined for the future of Grand Bahama.

As the island continues its journey of renewal, MOSAIC stands as both a symbol and a gathering place—a space where art, culture, and community move forward together.

Stay connected with MOSAIC at mosaicbahamas.com.