SINK will be the first underwater art exhibition developed to explicitly explore not only the natural beauty of The Bahamas but also the importance of environmental conservation. By bringing together the world’s most talented artists partnered with marine biologists, Sink will bring such socially important topics as climate change, pollution and marine conservation through visually stunning works of art to The Bahamas and beyond. The participants will come from all over the world and will also highlight the brightest local talent.

Sink was conceived by internationally recognized curator, Lance M. Fung who will create his new vision with hopes of realizing the same awareness and visibility he has received in his previous exhibitions like The Snow Show. Local community involvement will be essential as it has been in his previous exhibitions. Up to 80% of the budget would be spent locally to create the exhibition and will be organized by Forward Leap which is a not for profit organization. Fabrication of the artworks, hosting of the participants and guests, entertainment, research, installation of the art works, maintenance, printing, security, PR and so forth will all be sourced locally.

There will be several planned openings, each bringing in thousands of visitors to the island supporting local hotels, tour operators, diving centers, restaurant, shops and additional businesses. Furthermore, Sink, will partner with them to maximize the ever-growing tourist industry to come and experience Sink for the 2 – 3 month long exhibition period. It was reported by the Finnish Foreign Ministry that tourism to their country in the year following The Snow Show increased by 30% due to approximately 100 million USD received media on The Snow Show. In the case of Sink, the organizers plan the exhibition as a reoccurring event so as to continually build upon this momentum. Also, partnering with other countries would allow the underwater exhibition to travel to different environments. In addition, a touring museum exhibition may be planned showing the process and projects through photographs, video projections, and models.

BBC and Imax have both approached the organizers of Sink to create a film on the process and outcome of the exhibition which will widen the visibility of The Bahamas and more importantly the country’s sincere interest in environmental conservation and social outreach. In addition to these additional forms of outreach, Sink is in discussion to partner with UNESCO and/or Conservation International on global educational programs. And as a not for profit project, Sink will be opened to the local public free of charge on specific days and times depending upon congestion and security issues. The New York Times, London Times, and Travel & Leisure magazine are a few of the publications who have requested rights to cover the story.

By hosting Sink, the host location and sponsor will gain visibility through articles and television, add to the quantity of visitors to The Bahamas, give the locals employment opportunities, and make an important statement about the environment.