Doongalik Studios
Introduction
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Nassau, the Doongalik Studios Art Gallery offers an enriching cultural experience in the Bahamas. Located at number 20 Village Road, this charming gallery occupies an historic Bahamian building over eighty years old, set amidst a lush garden that invites visitors into a world of artistic expression. As a beacon of Bahamian creativity, Doongalik Studios welcomes art lovers and culture enthusiasts to discover works that celebrate the spirit, heritage, and artistic achievements of the islands.
About the Museum
Doongalik Studios was founded in the 1970s by the late Jackson Burnside the Third, an architect, artist, and cultural advocate, together with his wife, Pam. Their lifelong dedication has centered on promoting the artistic talents of the Bahamas and sharing their belief that this country can emerge as an international creative centre.
The gallery occupies a historic traditional building—over eighty years old—and is surrounded by lush gardens that create a serene and inviting atmosphere. It features a large exhibition gallery that displays a permanent retrospective of the extensive artworks of Jackson L. Burnside the Third (1949–2011), offered to the public at no charge.
Throughout the year, the gallery also highlights works by many Bahamian artists, exhibiting a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, quilts, and more. Visitors will be treated to a continual programme of artistic discovery through these rotating and diverse exhibitions.
Doongalik Studios is more than an art gallery. It is home to Creative Nassau, a registered non-profit organisation founded by the Burnsides in 2008, dedicated to celebrating and promoting Bahamian art, culture, and heritage “from the inside out.” Significantly, in 2014 Creative Nassau helped secure Nassau’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art—one of only three cities so designated in the region.
The gallery also played a founding role in Transforming Spaces, another non-profit organisation formed in 2008 by Bahamian gallerists whose mission is to expose the public to Bahamian fine art through annual gallery tours.
In memory of Jackson Burnside the Third, Doongalik rebranded the gallery in 2021 and now prominently showcases his range of creative works while also offering the sale of Bahamian books, DVDs, exclusive woodwork, and ceramic art.
Beyond the visual displays, in 2022 Doongalik opened the Jackson Logan Burnside the Third Design Library and Research Centre, granting the public access to Jackson’s extensive collections of architecture, art, design, and business publications. In 2023, an audio library of hundreds of “Junkanoo Talks” radio programmes co-hosted by Jackson was added, providing an auditory journey through Bahamian cultural discourse.
The gallery operates Monday through Wednesday from ten in the morning to four in the afternoon, and on Saturdays from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon during the Farmers’ Market season—though visitors are advised to call ahead and confirm in advance.
Interesting Facts
- Historic Setting: The gallery is housed in a Bahamian building more than eighty years old and is surrounded by lush gardens.
- Founders: It was founded in the 1970s by Jackson Burnside the Third and his wife, Pam, both pivotal figures in promoting Bahamian art and culture.
- Permanent Retrospective: The gallery features a permanent retrospective of the late co-founder’s artwork, available for the public to enjoy at no cost.
- Diverse Exhibitions: Rotating shows showcase works by dozens of Bahamian artists, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and quilts.
- Cultural Organisations: Doongalik is home to Creative Nassau, which helped Nassau earn UNESCO Creative City designation in crafts and folk art, and was a founding member of the Transforming Spaces art tour initiative.
- Design Library and Audio Archives: The Jackson Logan Burnside the Third Design Library and Research Centre opened in 2022, with an added audio library of “Junkanoo Talks” in 2023.
- Rebranding in Memory: In 2021, the gallery was rebranded to honour Jackson Burnside the Third’s creative legacy and expanded its offerings to include Bahamian books, DVDs, woodwork, and ceramics.
- Gallery Rentals: The gallery and its grounds are available to rent for events such as fundraisers, private parties, book launches, weddings, and tea parties, with safety protocols in place.
- Farmers’ Market Connection: The gallery hosts a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon during the market season, offering local goods from vendors in the charming garden setting.
Photo Gallery
Physical Location
Contact Details
Phone: +12 42 394 1886
Website: doongalik.com/ifxxch8ljy3ksjmaw9fdeddlv6us07
Facebook: facebook.com/doongalik/
Conclusion
Doongalik Studios Art Gallery is a jewel of Nassau—a place where Bahamian tradition, creativity, and heritage converge in a welcoming and inspiring environment. From the striking permanent collection of Jackson Burnside the Third’s work to the vibrant rotating exhibitions by local artists, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bahamian culture. The gallery’s role as a home for organisations like Creative Nassau and Transforming Spaces, along with its library, audio archives, and lively Farmers’ Market, make it a multifaceted destination with something for every curious soul.
Whether you seek to connect with local art, explore Bahamian history through creative expression, enjoy a leisurely visit amid beautiful gardens, or support cultural initiatives through a meaningful experience, a visit to Doongalik Studios offers all this and more. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and the enduring power of art to shape, preserve, and celebrate cultural identity.
