National Performing Arts Initiative
The National Performing Arts Education Initiative: Professional Learning Community
The National Performing Arts Education Initiative: Professional Learning Community (NPAEI-PLC) represents a comprehensive, multi-faceted collaboration between the Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project, the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, and the University of The Bahamas to transform performing arts education across The Bahamas.
Our Mission
This initiative develops culturally responsive performing arts education that celebrates Bahamian heritage while preparing students for success in the global creative economy through nine interconnected program areas.
Program Components
Standards & Curriculum Development (K-12)
Official development of The Bahamas' first comprehensive national performing arts standards across four strands: dance, drama, music, and media arts. Creates benchmarks, scope and sequence frameworks, and culturally responsive assessment tools aligned with eight core learning goals: Communication, Culture, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Confidence, Commitment, and Community.
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University Degree Advocacy & Development
Strategic support for establishing degree programs in dance and drama at the University of The Bahamas, including teacher certification pathways, curriculum design, and program accreditation to train the next generation of Bahamian performing arts educators.
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Professional Development Programs
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Shirley Hall Bass Dance Educator's Forum: Advanced training for dance teachers and pre-professional dancers
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Specialized workshops for performing arts educators across all four strands
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Teacher leader development programs
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Teacher Leader Program
Cultivating teacher leaders who can champion arts integration and cultural education within their schools and communities, building capacity for sustainable implementation of performing arts standards.
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Continuing Education: ARTS900 Methods of Arts Integration
University of The Bahamas continuing education course in collaboration with Disney, specifically targeting family island populations in Eleuthera, providing classroom teachers with practical skills for integrating Junkanoo and other Bahamian cultural traditions into K-12 content areas while addressing the unique needs of Out Island communities.
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CAPAS Conservatory Support
Strategic partnership with the new Caribbean Academy of Performing Arts and Sciences (CAPAS) conservatory, supporting advanced training opportunities for talented Bahamian performers.
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Inclusive Access & Community Programming
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Accessibility initiatives ensuring arts programming is available to deaf and disabled students
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Student field trips and enrichment programs providing broad access to high-quality performing arts experiences
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Public presentations that showcase student learning and cultural heritage
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Professional Training & Cultural Exchange
International & Domestic Programs: Facilitating professional training opportunities for Bahamian artists, educators, and students both abroad and at home, including:
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Study abroad programs at internationally recognized performing arts institutions
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Artist residencies and cultural exchange initiatives
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Master classes and workshops with visiting international artists
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Professional development partnerships with leading global arts education organizations
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Local intensive training programs that bring world-class instruction to The Bahamas
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Scholarship & Grant Writing Support
Providing Bahamian artists with funding opportunities through scholarship programs and grant writing assistance, supporting cultural exchange programs that elevate Bahamian performing arts on the international stage.
Long-Term Impact
This comprehensive initiative positions The Bahamas as a regional leader in culturally responsive arts education, creating a pipeline from K-12 through university and professional development that produces culturally grounded, globally competitive graduates. The work directly supports the nation's orange economy while ensuring performing arts education is accessible to all Bahamian students, including those in the Family Islands, regardless of ability or background, preserving and evolving cultural heritage for future generations.