An innovative partnership has emerged between Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), the local manufacturers of Coca-Cola and Dasani beverages, and University of The Bahamas (UB). This collaboration has led to the creation of the Coca-Cola Art Project; a distinctive initiative aimed at honoring and celebrating Bahamian musical legends. In a meaningful act of support, CBC is contributing $10,000 to UB's art program. This generous donation is set to nurture both creativity and educational pursuits within the university’s art program.

While honoring Bahamian musical pioneers, the Coca-Cola Art Project is also a competition which will judge the student's interpretation of the theme which surrounds celebrating Bahamian musicians. The Coca-Cola Art Project aims to both inspire students to embody the theme of Bahamian musical legends through art, while also offering the artists behind the leading pieces unique opportunities.
Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer for CBC spoke to the meaning behind the theme.
“Bahamian musicians have made so many cultural contributions. We know their songs, but sometimes we do not know their names. This competition is to pay homage to them.” she expressed.
CBC worked closely with Heino Schmid, Head of the Visual Arts and Design Department at UB to organize the competition and additional interactions designed to foster creative curiosity, build on experiences and promote appreciation for other disciplines.

The competition, which closes on June 2nd, will be judged by a panel of representatives from Caribbean Bottling Company, University of The Bahamas, Baha Mar, local artists and musicians. Judges will review each art piece and declare four winners in August who will receive a substantial winner's package.

In addition to the four winners, 20 pieces will be chosen to be featured in an exhibit sponsored by Coca-Cola, held in Baha Mar’s The Current: ECCHO museum on August 15th, where student’s works will be on display.  The Current: ECCHO will also facilitate the sales of art during the exhibit and generously contribute to the size funding.

Kishan Munroe, who serves as the Chair of the School of Communication & Creative Arts and Assistant Professor of Art and Art Education at UB shared what this partnership means to the university’s students and art program.

“I am thrilled to have Coca-Cola partner with us, which will undoubtedly aid in the evolution of our art program. The exposure this competition will bring our students, along with the $10,000 donation, comes during the 15th year anniversary of the program. As we strive to educate and mold our student artists, corporate partnerships like this leave lasting impacts on their bright futures.” Munroe expressed.
This art competition comes as a celebration of Coca-Cola's ‘Love My Bahamas’ art project which was unveiled over 15 years ago. Munroe, a participant of the project with his piece ‘Lift Up Your Head’, revealed that Coca-Cola's partnership with the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Ministry of Tourism and the Downtown Nassau Partnership, served as inspiration for some of the later murals which adorn Bay Street.

Pieces such as ‘Down Home Gals’ by Antonius Roberts, ‘Persevere’ by John Cox and ‘Rake n’ Scrape’ by Tyrone Ferguson to name a few, added much vibrancy and creativity to New Providence’s landscape many of which can still be seen around the island today.

Both Coca-Cola and UB eagerly anticipate what students will create and how this art project will advance UB’s art program and art in The Bahamas as a whole.

In the weeks leading up to the competition's submission deadline, U.B. has been hosting weekly art “jam sessions” for its art students sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Each Friday students are immersed in Bahamian music as they gather in the UB Pro Art Gallery where they work on their pieces while listening to a Bahamian music playlist curated by CBC and others to further enhance their creative process.  

Upon entering the Pro Gallery students, teachers and onlookers can see the official Coca-Cola Art Project logo created by renowned Bahamian artist, Allan Wallace.  This stands as a nod to the growing partnership between Coca-Cola and U.B. and the upcoming art competition.

In partnership with U.B., the Coca-Cola Art Project competition will act as a love letter to Bahamian history and culture while engaging the next generation of artists.