By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Dundas Centre for the Performance Arts secured crucial funding through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government to ensure its continued operation.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis called the signing a significant step in strengthening The Bahamas’ creative economy, highlighting the Dundas Centre’s legacy of showcasing Bahamian talent. The government has committed $340,000 for immediate upgrades to the Winston V Saunders Theatre, the main 332-seat venue that is currently closed, and the Philip A Burrows Black Box Theatre, an 80-seat venue.

 The MoU was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister. Dr Nicolette Bethel, chair of the Dundas Centre, described the agreement as historic, marking the first time the centre has received support of this scale from the government. 

 The Dundas Centre, established in 1930 as a civic centre, was repurposed in 1970 as a performing arts venue.

 Dr Bethel said the centre remained operational until 2020, generating enough revenue from its main theatre to cover basic costs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced it to close for 18 months, leading to the main theatre’s continued shutdown. She said that the primary goal is to reopen the main theatre. 

 The air conditioning system in the main theatre needs to be replaced. Dr Bethel said the system, installed in the 1970s, began deteriorating in 2021. She said performers cannot rehearse there, and audiences would find the heat unbearable. 

 “The deterioration of the building has happened in the last five years,” she said. “When we can run the theatre, and we can have the revenue, we are able to manage the upkeep. This injection will enable us to make some real capital investments to go beyond simple repairs, but to do some serious digging.” 

 Dundas Centre officials estimate that $1.5m is needed to renovate the complex completely but said the government’s financial assistance is an important first step. Mr Davis said the government also supports the centre’s complete restoration. 

 He said that the Dundas Centre will receive an annual maintenance grant under the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, but the exact amount has not yet been determined. Officials also did not confirm when funds from the government to the centre would be disbursed.

 Nonetheless, Dr Bethel said the agreement means the centre no longer faces closure. 

 The signing comes weeks after Dr Bethel told reporters that The Bahamas’ only community theatre was at risk of shutting down if it did not secure $400,000 to reopen the Winston V Saunders Theatre.