Minister Mario Bowleg, Prime MinisterPhilip ‘Brave’ Davis, Nicolette bethel, Philip Burrows, and other officials at the completion of the signing of a MOU that is going to provide support to the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts at the office of th Prime Minister on February 10, 2025. Photos: Chappell Whyms jr
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
THE Dundas Centre for the Performance Arts secured crucial funding through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government to ensure its continued operation.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called the signing a significant step in strengthening The Bahamas’ creative economy, highlighting the Dundas Centre’s legacy of showcasing Bahamian talent. The government has committed $340,000 for immediate upgrades to the Winston V Saunders Theatre, the main 332-seat venue that is currently closed, and the Philip A Burrows Black Box Theatre, an 80-seat venue.
The MoU was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister. Dr Nicolette Bethel, chair of the Dundas Centre, described the agreement as historic, marking the first time the centre has received support of this scale from the government.
The Dundas Centre, established in 1930 as a civic centre, was repurposed in 1970 as a performing arts venue.
Dr Bethel said the centre remained operational until 2020, generating enough revenue from its main theatre to cover basic costs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close for 18 months, leading to the main theatre’s continued shutdown. She said that the primary goal is to reopen the main theatre.
The air conditioning system in the main theatre needs to be replaced. Dr Bethel said the system, installed in the 1970s, began deteriorating in 2021. She said performers cannot rehearse there, and audiences would find the heat unbearable.
“The deterioration of the building has happened in the last five years,” she said. “When we can run the theatre, and we can have the revenue, we are able to manage the upkeep. This injection will enable us to make some real capital investments to go beyond simple repairs, but to do some serious digging.”
Dundas Centre officials estimate that $1.5m is needed to renovate the complex completely but said the government’s financial assistance is an important first step. Mr Davis said the government also supports the centre’s complete restoration.
He said that the Dundas Centre will receive an annual maintenance grant under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, but the exact amount has not yet been determined. Officials also did not confirm when funds from the government to the centre would be disbursed.
Nonetheless, Dr Bethel said the agreement means the centre no longer faces closure.
The signing comes weeks after Dr Bethel told reporters that The Bahamas’ only community theatre was at risk of shutting down if it did not secure $400,000 to reopen the Winston V Saunders Theatre.
Comments
Dawes 1 month ago
I like the Dundas, but what is the point of Government funding that and the old shirley street theater? WE only need one. With that in mind, why are they also renovation the old collins house, there is no need as that is another waste of money.
ExposedU2C 1 month ago
But it's never a waste of money to the crony PLP muck-a-muck who's receiving the money from corrupt PM Davis.
bahamianson 1 month ago
From government? From the Bahamian people, now say thank you to the tax payers. It isn’t the politicians’ money , they just mismanage it. Yes, mismanage .
TalRussell 1 month ago
A full 91.77 % of Nassau's popoulaces' at-large aged 15 and older have never attended a Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts live event, --- according to Statistics Choke Neck Alley and Burial Ground Corner. -- Measure those statistics up against the number of even younger than 15 -- who does play the NumbersMans' Numbers on a daily basis. --- Yes?
Sickened 1 month ago
A Government MoU? Lol!!! Ask the unions how valuable that piece of paper is. ROFL.
Warning: don't go buying/fixing anything until the money is in the bank!!!!!
sheeprunner12 1 month ago
Another smokescreen PR gimmick.
These old places are past used date.
TalRussell 1 month ago
The $340 Thousand from we govt will have a purpose. -- Provided 'lil sum from monies --- goes toward funding the restaging of Susan Wallace's Single Seven about the human waste in the NumbersMans' (since legalized) racket. -- Yes?
tetelestai 1 month ago
This does not go far enough. In my view, the current "leaders" of the Dundas - Nicholette, Phillip, et al - should be removed from managing the Dundas. It is clear they have no idea how to operate, manage and perpetuate a what-should-be world class theatre. The government should take over operations, really commit to injecting money into the theatre and expand it. Burrows et al, with their vanity and hubris, treat the Dundas as their personal project, alienating the scores of Bahamians that are interested in the arts. But of course, like the elitist that they are, when they need money, they come running to the government for support.
ExposedU2C 1 month ago
Bingo!
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