BNT Celebrates Success of Wine & Art 2024

Nassau, Bahamas – This October, The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) celebrated its most successful Wine & Art Festival yet – helping fulfill its mission of managing the national parks of The Bahamas.

Over three days, hundreds of patrons showed up at The Retreat Garden in support of the wine, art, and cultural event, which focuses on providing a platform for local artists and vendors while raising money for the conservation efforts of the BNT.

“With the numbers still rolling in, we can definitely say this has been our most successful Wine & Art Festival, with record-breaking numbers in terms of both turnout and funds raised,” said BNT Events Coordinator Kimberly Knowles.

Wine & Art 2024 featured an array of wines and champagnes from around the world, courtesy of title sponsor Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL); art and crafts from more than 40 local vendors; delicious food and culinary demonstrations; and dynamic live music and entertainment from the likes of Essence Band, Sacha the Duchess, Expressions Band, Black Swan Band, and more.

Knowles said: “We’re always trying to figure out how we can make Wine & Art better for both the community that supports it and the vendors that participate. This year we were stoked to offer a full roster of performers who captivated the crowds. Combined with all of the art, wine, food, and general festive atmosphere, we were proud to deliver an incredible experience that we truly believe not only met but exceeded expectations.”

The prestigious Wine & Art Festival is a unique celebration of culture, creativity, and conservation, serving as the BNT’s only unrestricted annual fundraiser. In addition to supporting the environment, it also contributes to the local “orange” or creative economy. Over three decades, it has become a community staple event and the official “kickstarter” of the BNT’s fall event season.

“We’re thankful to CBL as our partner, and to all our sponsors, whose belief in the BNT’s mission and commitment to community initiatives makes Wine & Art an extraordinary event. We’re also grateful to our staff and all the participating artists, vendors, and attendees. Together, we celebrate Wine & Art 2024 as a win for conservation, and for Bahamians who benefit from these national parks which are theirs to enjoy,” Knowles added.

A CBL representative said: “We’re proud to partner with the BNT to host this prestigious event year after year. Wine & Art gives CBL an opportunity to fulfill our social responsibility and aligns perfectly with our commitment of ‘brewing a better world.’ Knowing the hard work and passion that went into it from both of our teams and seeing the results makes this success even more worthwhile. We’re inspired to continue in our support of the BNT and community events like Wine & Art.”

Wine & Art 2024 was sponsored by Commonwealth Brewery Limited; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Aliv; Auto Mall with Hyundai; Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board; SunCash; the Nassau Cruise Port; Bahamas Waste; Expressions Entertainment; Bahamia Rental; and others.

To learn more about the BNT’s role in managing national parks, protecting wildlife, and informing environmental policy, please visit its website: www.bnt.bs, and follow its various social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.