Eleuthera, Bahamas | November 2025 – July 2026

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The Shirley Hall Bass Foundation collaborates with Disney Cruise Line, the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, and the University of The Bahamas to bring arts-integrated learning to Eleuthera schools.

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This initiative trains teachers in arts integration methods and pilots a culturally responsive program in 3rd and 6th grade classrooms—connecting students to Bahamian heritage through dance, music, storytelling, and visual arts.

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Essential Question: How do the performing arts reflect my culture?

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Program Overview

Phase 1: Teacher Training

November 2025 – February 2026

A 10-week online course through UB Continuing Education trains teachers and teaching artists in arts integration. Participants learn to weave performing arts into core subjects like history, math, science, and civics while honoring Bahamian cultural traditions including Junkanoo.

Features include:

• Exploration of Junkanoo origins and cultural significance

• Integrated curriculum design and assessment

• Guest lectures from leading Bahamian educators and artists

• Free course textbook: Unearthing Joy

 

Phase 2: School Pilot

February – March 2026

Three trained teaching artists collaborate with Eleuthera schools to implement arts-integrated lessons in 3rd and 6th grade classrooms. The program incorporates mindfulness practices, Social and Emotional Learning, and research-based literacy strategies.

 

Phase 3: Documentation & Performance

April – July 2026

Students showcase their learning through final performances. The program concludes with data collection, video documentation, and reporting.

 

What Students Will Learn

Cultural Connection

• Explore Bahamian folklore and history through the performing arts

• Understand dance, drama, music, and media arts as cultural expression

 

Literacy Skills

• Identify key details and analyze story structure

• Compare perspectives in traditional and contemporary folklore

 

Social & Emotional Growth

• Practice communication and collaboration

• Develop empathy and positive relationships

• Use performing arts for self-care and wellness

 

Our Collaborators

Lead Organization: Shirley Hall Bass Foundation

In Collaboration With:

• Disney

• Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training

• University of The Bahamas, School of Education

 

Expert Faculty:

• Kishan Munroe, UB Chair of Communication and Creative Arts

• Shara Goldsmith, Performing Arts Educator & JEDI Specialist

• Sharon Poitier, Former Deputy Director of Education

• Dr. Nicholeen DeGrasse-Johnson, Regional Cultural Expert

• Cristin Carole, Foundation Co-Founder

 

Expected Outcomes

• Implementation of new national performing arts education standards

• Development of a professional learning community for arts integration

• Quality lesson plans contributed to a National Digital Arts Bank

• Increased student engagement and literacy growth

• Free public performances for families and community

 

Our Commitment

The Shirley Hall Bass Foundation is committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity as a strength and advocate for equitable access to arts education for all students. Our work honors the principle: "Nothing about them, without them."

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