From photographers and filmmakers to designers, musicians, models, and content creators, creativity thrives across the islands of The Bahamas.Yet for many Bahamians, turning passion into a sustainable career has often meant leaving home in search of better opportunities or delaying the desire to create completely. That is exactly the challenge Da CTRL Lab hopes to change.
Founded by Creative Director Sydney Ferguson, Da CTRL Lab was born from a simple but powerful realization. After spending time in the United States, Ferguson saw firsthand how creative industries flourished because artists had access to opportunities, collaboration, and support. Returning home to Grand Bahama, she noticed that the issue was never a lack of talent…it was a lack of infrastructure.
“I wanted to create the infrastructure and community we need right here,” Sydney said.
The name itself reflects that mission. “CTRL” represents taking control of creative opportunities instead of waiting for someone else to create them, while “Lab” symbolizes experimentation, collaboration, and innovation. Together, the vision is to create an ecosystem where Bahamian creatives can connect, grow, and access meaningful paid work.
What started as the idea of a creative hub in Freeport is currently evolving into something much bigger. Da CTRL Lab now aims to become a regional creative community, offering memberships, partnerships, networking opportunities, and pathways to sustainable careers throughout The Bahamas and eventually the wider Caribbean.
Ferguson believes one of the greatest challenges facing Bahamian creatives is isolation. Too often, talented individuals work alone, struggle to build portfolios, or are expected to work for exposure rather than fair compensation. Creative spaces, she says, change that by bringing people together, encouraging collaboration, and proving that creative work is a legitimate profession.Her vision is to shift the national conversation from “creatives struggle here” to “creatives build here.”
For aspiring creatives, Ferguson offers one final message,”Stop waiting for permission.”She believes the future of the Bahamian creative industry depends on people willing to take risks, embrace authenticity, and build the opportunities they wish already existed. Through Da CTRL Lab, that future is no longer just an idea…it’s already taking shape.
