NASSAU, The Bahamas  -- The E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival has officially opened. Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, made the announcement during a soft opening and awards ceremony held on February 20, 2023 at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas on West Hill Street. 

Minister Bowleg congratulated the recipients of the 2022 awards, who included BIS photojournalist, Eric Rose and his son, Antonio, for their efforts. The awardees were recognized for their skills and talents including a cross-section of genres including: musical instruments, voice, visual arts, dance and poetry among others.  

"At the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, we are proud to display our culture," he said. "The pandemic taught us the importance of preserving our culture, therefore, as we celebrate our country's 50th anniversary of Independence, this event continues to display our culture and remind us of what makes us truly Bahamian."

He ended by inviting all Bahamians to participate in this year's festival.

National Winners -- Eric Rose (left) for Photography (Community) and his son, Antonio (right) for Digital Art -- with Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Mario Bowleg. 

Prizewinners: group shot shows recipients of awards for the 2022 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival at the Amphiteatre on the grounds of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, February 20, 2023. 

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, speaks during the soft opening of this year's National Arts Festival, and awards ceremony for winners of the 2022 exhibition. 

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg, speaks during the soft opening of this year's National Arts Festival, and awards ceremony for winners of the 2022 exhibition.