Grand Bahamians are being given the opportunity to name the Artisan Village at Carnival Cruise Line’s new Celebration Key cruise destination.
Carnival Cruise Line, with the support of the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, has announced a local community competition for the honor of naming the cultural space. The Artisan Village, a central feature of Celebration Key, is a vibrant area that will showcase local artists and their talents to guests who will be able to immerse themselves in real Bahamian culture.
A committee of local officials and representatives from the cultural and creative industries will determine the finalists after the entry period closes on March 25, 2024. The winner, which will be announced in early April, will receive $5000 cash, as well as the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony. They will also receive a day pass to Celebration Key with drink vouchers, food and a cabana for the day.
“We are extremely excited about this competition,” said Carnival Corporation & plc’s Public Affairs and Community Engagement Director Philcher Grant-Adderley. “Carnival has sought to prioritize authentic Bahamian culture throughout every aspect of this project, from the food to the architecture, and nowhere more than in the Artisan Village which we envision as a cornerstone of the entire destination. It is only fitting that the name should be chosen by a Bahamian.”
“We can hardly wait to see the creative, inspired submissions that we know will be submitted. I encourage all Grand Bahamians to take part, get your submissions in early and submit as many ideas as you have!”
All Bahamians are eligible to enter–individuals, families, groups, local organizations, classrooms–including those under 18 as long as they have submitted a Release Form signed by a parent or guardian.
Including the recently announced pier extension, Celebration Key is the largest undertaking of its kind by Carnival Corporation. The initial construction phase is expected to bring about 700 permanent jobs to the community which includes 300 Bahamians as direct hires by Carnival Corporation welcoming 2.2 million guests annually to Grand Bahama and Celebration Key once opened. Once the second phase of construction is completed in 2028, Celebration Key is expected to welcome 4 million guests annually.
Grant-Adderley continued, “We are committed to making this a mutually beneficial partnership, creating shared value with the community. Carnival wants to empower as many Bahamians as possible through Celebration Key, whether they be restaurant owners, retail operators, artisans or cultural creatives.”
“Bahamian architects have collaborated on the design of the destination in an effort to ensure its character is as authentically Bahamian as possible, most especially the Artisan Village. It seems natural that its name be chosen by a Grand Bahamian.”