ArtLucaya 2026: “Dream Big”

In April 2026, ArtLucaya invites residents and visitors to step into a weekend of creativity, conversation, and community pride – a festival built to spotlight Grand Bahama’s talent and connect it with the wider world. Now entering its fourth year, ArtLucaya continues to grow in scope and ambition, offering the kind of cultural experience that feels both world-class and warmly local.

A festival with momentum
First proposed in the fall of 2019, ArtLucaya’s launch was delayed by Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 shutdowns. That setback became an advantage: it gave organizers time to plan carefully, build partnerships, and shape a festival designed to last. Today, the momentum is unmistakable, with each year introducing new venues, new programming, and new opportunities to engage with art.

New curatorial energy for 2026
ArtLucaya 2026 welcomes Ilene Sova and Byron Armstrong of Armova Curatorial – a team bringing deep experience in exhibition-building and international arts storytelling. Ilene Sova is the founder of the Feminist Art Conference and Blank Canvases (an in-school arts program for elementary students), and she holds an Honours BFA (University of Ottawa) and an MFA (University of Windsor). She is also an Associate Professor at OCAD University. Byron Armstrong is a Toronto-based freelance writer and award-winning journalist who covers arts, culture, and community – and he has also written curatorial essays for exhibitions and art institutions, including work connected to The D’Aguilar Art Foundation (Nassau, Bahamas).

What’s new for ArtLucaya 2026
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Outdoor sculpture arrives at MOSAIC: Plans are underway to launch an outdoor sculpture garden, with large-scale 3D works featured in ArtLucaya for the first time.
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More reasons to linger: MOSAIC is preparing to open a small gift shop and cafe offering original small works, prints and posters by local artists – plus locally crafted teas and baked goods.
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Satellite exhibits across the community: A solo exhibition by artist and physician Dr Kevin Bethel is planned at the Family Wellness Centre (next door west of MOSAIC), and Dr Bethel has also reserved the Gloria Banks Gallery at the Rand Nature Centre for a
GBAA satellite exhibit.
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Youth art in the spotlight: A children’s and youth development exhibit featuring work submitted by local high school students is planned at Our Saviour Lutheran Church (next door east of MOSAIC).
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More culture after dark: Expect the return of vibrant cultural evenings, including music and poetry nights that bring together artists, locals, and visitors in a relaxed island setting.

Why ArtLucaya matters for Grand Bahama
At its heart, ArtLucaya is more than an exhibit – it is a public invitation to see Grand Bahama through the eyes of its artists. It supports creative careers, encourages youth participation, and creates a space where culture feels accessible to everyone.
For visitors, it offers an authentic experience of the island beyond the beach: a chance to meet creatives, collect original work, and enjoy nights filled with music, poetry, and community.
For residents, it is a reminder that the arts are not an extra – they are part of what makes a place feel alive.

Plan your visit
ArtLucaya takes place April 17-19, centered at MOSAIC in Lucaya with satellite events at nearby community venues. If you’ll be on Grand Bahama this spring, consider adding ArtLucaya to your itinerary – come for the exhibitions, stay for the conversations, and leave with a deeper connection to the island’s creative spirit.

About ArtLucaya
ArtLucaya is a growing festival designed to celebrate and elevate Grand Bahama’s visual arts community through exhibitions, public programming, and cultural experiences. Each year brings new collaborations and new opportunities to connect local talent with wider audiences.