Prime Minister Philip Davis’s Remarks at the 61st Vienna Biennale “Another Man’s Yard” Celebration Dinner

Friends, good evening.

It is a pleasure to join you this evening as we celebrate a remarkable achievement for our nation.

Tonight is as much about an exhibition as it is about what is possible when Bahamian talent is given the opportunity to stand on the world stage. 

This evening, we celebrate a defining moment for Bahamian art – artists whose work has captured international attention and a nation whose creative voices resonate in the world. Tonight reminds me how very proud I am to be a Bahamian!

The success of In Another Man’s Yard reminds us that our greatest creative strengths are found in the richness of our heritage and communities. 

As we prepare to celebrate fifty-three years of Independence, this exhibition is a timely reminder that our heritage is not something to be preserved in memory alone. It is something to be lived and shared with the world. Every generation has a responsibility to carry our story forward.

For years, the world has come to The Bahamas for the beauty of our islands. Today, we showcase the brilliance of our people and our culture. 

That is something every Bahamian can take pride in.

As a government, we recognize that investing in the creative economy is an investment in our people – in our young people who dream of careers in the arts and in progress. 

That is why we remain committed to strengthening the creative economy and ensuring that moments like this become part of a sustained national effort.

This evening, I want to pay special tribute to those whose vision and dedication made this achievement possible.

To Dr. Krista Thompson, your thoughtful leadership has brought together artists and ideas in a way that has captured international attention. You have represented The Bahamas with excellence and integrity, and we are grateful.

To Lavar Munroe, thank you for demonstrating that Bahamian creativity belongs on the world’s greatest stages. You continue to tell our nation’s story with pride.

And tonight, we also remember the late John Beadle. 

John’s contribution to Bahamian art cannot be measured only by the works he created, but by the lives he inspired and the possibilities he opened for generations of artists who followed.

Though he is no longer with us, his presence in this exhibition makes this achievement all the more meaningful, and we honour his contribution to our national cultural identity.

To Commissioner Cox, The Bahamas in Venice Committee, every artist, curator, and volunteer who worked behind the scenes  – thank you. Your commitment has brought honour to our country.

I also extend sincere appreciation to our corporate partners and sponsors, and Bahamar, whose generosity helped make this historic return possible. 

Your investment demonstrates what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together.

My friends, tonight we celebrate success and possibility. May this achievement inspire another generation of Bahamian artists to dream bigger. And may it remind Bahamians that when we remain true to who we are, our voices can resonate far beyond our shores.

Congratulations to everyone who made this historic moment possible. May this be remembered as the beginning of an enduring Bahamian presence on the world stage.

Thank you, enjoy the evening, and may God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.