The E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival

Over the years, the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival has expanded in size. Lady Arthur, the then-royal governor's wife, started the Festival movement in 1959. The family islands were added two years later, in 1961. Mrs. Meta Davis Cumberbatch, a concert pianist of Trinidadian descent, founded the Arts and Craft Festival to complement the Music Festival at this period.

The Bahamas Arts and Crafts Exhibition and the Music Festival were both added into the programs by E Clement Bethel, the first Director of Culture, in 1971. The Drama Festival was added in 1972. With the re-addition of the National Arts and Crafts Exhibition at the Central Bank, this institution has now extended to include the visual and performing arts.

On the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival, there have also been a number of successful spin-off events. A gospel concert, a final concert, a National Pride Day Performance, and a grand Independence Day celebration are all planned. A workshop for a small number of festival winners affiliated with the Washington Jazz Institute in Washington, D.C. is also included.

Date: February