FOR the 31st consecutive year, RBC Royal Bank and RBC FINCO are sponsoring the RBC Summer Arts Workshop for students, one of the most well-known arts-related youth events in the Bahamas.

The programme has helped in the development of numerous young Bahamian artists over the years.

"Some of the leading names in the Caribbean art world have participated in these workshops - often first as students and now as instructors," said Tanya McCartney, managing director of RBC FINCO.

The workshop, planned in partnership with the Ministry of Education's Art and Design Unit, is geared towards 11th grade students who are preparing for the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) national art examinations and also toward eighth grade students sitting the Bahamas Junior Certificate (BJC).

However, the programme is open to any student in grades eight through 12 who has an interest in art. Teachers coach participants through completion and public exhibition of coursework in two areas: fine arts, including drawing, painting and graphics; and creative craft studies, which includes ceramics, tie dye and junkanoo art.

"The workshops are extremely popular with our students," said Pamela Chandler, director of the Art and Design Unit and workshop facilitator, who noted that the 2012 workshops are already full with more than 100 young people enrolled.

"I have been honoured to run the programme for the past seven years and I must commend RBC's unwavering support of young artists and strong partnership with the Ministry of Education," Mrs Chandler said.

This year's workshop will be held from July 2-27 at Government High School. Classes run Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm.

The programme culminates with an exhibition and awards ceremony at the Mall at Marathon on July 27 at 6pm.

"Our support of the workshop helps students hone their skills and showcase their creativity," said Ms McCartney.

"What's more, we believe the next generation of great Bahamian artists will emerge out of this programme, bolstering the vitality of our community for years to come."