Appointment of Antonius Roberts As Art Curator and Artist-in-Residence
6th June, 2018
Cultural icon, nation builder and Master Artist Mr. Antonius Roberts OBE has returned to University of The Bahamas (UB) as the first Art Curator and Artist-in-Residence. Mr. Roberts will play an integral role in revising and expanding the visual arts curriculum, growing the student population, overseeing and executing fundraising in support of the visual arts programme, expanding the institution‘s outreach into the community and developing a Visiting Artist/Artist-in-Residence programme.
Since its inception as The College of The Bahamas (COB), UB has been building its arts curriculum and developing the talents of young, enthusiastic artists, many of whom are internationally respected. Mr. Roberts – a former Art lecturer at COB – was one of the early leaders of the arts programme. In the execution of his new role at UB, he will assist the faculty responsible for the art programme in the review of the visual arts curiculum, design and implement recruitment opportunities; establish relationships with offshore institutions to facilitate cultural and intellectual exchanges and study abroad experiences, and teach master classes. The successful execution of these responsibilities is critical to the advancement of UB’s profile and visibility in the arts.
Mr. Roberts has led several significant and historic groundbreaking efforts to enliven the cultural and artistic development of The Bahamas. In particular, he conceived of and coordinated the first Junior Junkanoo competition and parade in 1983 and founded The Bahamian Art Gallery in 1991 which facilitated the reintroduction of master artists Kendal Hanna and Jo Monks – USA Boy. As a sculptor, he is widely known for the first Sacred Space project at the historic Clifton Heritage site, work which was expanded by its installation at the Blake Road Welcome Centre. Another group of Sacred Women was taken to Wiesbaden, Germany for the Funky Nassau Exhibition and then exhibited at The Nassau Art Gallery of The Bahamas, with a similar installation now forming part of The Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation. His work has been featured throughout the country and the world.
Mr. Roberts graduated in 1981 from the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a BFA in Painting.
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