Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship in the Arts Celebrates 20 Years
4 February, 2025
(NASSAU, BAHAMAS) – The Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship in the Arts programme recently celebrated 20 years of service to The Bahamas. The scholarship programme is among Lyford Cay Foundations most recognised awards and was established in memory of philanthropist Mr. Harry C. Moore in 2004.
Moore was an avid lover of the arts who served in various capacities on the boards of Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation including as Director, Chairman and Honorary Chairman. The Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre on the University of The Bahamas’ New Providence campus is a testament to Moore’s commitment to making educational opportunities available for Bahamians.
As part of the 20th Anniversary commemoration, Lyford Cay Foundations recently recognised two longstanding volunteers for their dedicated service to the scholarships programme.
Mrs. Patricia Thomson Leonard has served as a Lyford Cay Foundations board member for 20 years. She continues the Moore family’s legacy of commitment to The Bahamas by serving on both the boards of Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc.
Mrs. Dionne Benjamin-Smith (Lyford Cay Foundations Scholar, 1991) has played a pivotal role in the success of the scholarship over the past 18 years. Additionally, she champions the work of Scholars in the arts through Bahamian Art & Culture, her popular online platform.
About the Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship Programme
Each year Lyford Cay Foundations awards the Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship in the Arts to one or two students pursuing graduate studies in the arts who demonstrate exceptional promise.
The highly competitive scholarship makes up to $15,000 available annually to recipients. Applicants are required to present their portfolio or samples of work in one of the following priority fields of study: arts education, film, music, playwriting, poetry and fiction writing, theatre arts or visual arts. Applicants must also complete the online application which requires them to outline any honours they have received for their work and any special programmes, exhibits or productions in which they have participated. Additionally, short-listed applicants participate in an interview and may be asked to perform.
Applicants must be Bahamian citizens. Financial need, academic merit and obtaining a first degree from the University of The Bahamas are among the factors weighed by an independent screening committee. A minimum grade point average is required for renewal.
Notable Harry C. Moore Scholarship Recipients
The list of Harry C. Moore Memorial Award Scholars over the last twenty years include some of the most celebrated and accomplished Bahamian artists. Mr. Jeffrey Meris (Lyford Cay Foundations Scholar, 2012 & 2017), an internationally celebrated Bahamian multi-media artist is one of them.
“As one of my earliest accomplishments, The Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship was a launching pad,” shared Jeffrey. “Everything I have been able to achieve is interconnected like a constellation. Lyford Cay Foundations and the Harry C. Moore award have been pivotal points in the constellation.”
Ms. Aidan Barrow (Lyford Cay Scholar, 2016), proprietor of the successful luxury gift store Haus of Assembly, partially credits the scholarship for her success as well.
“The Harry C. Moore Memorial Scholarship in the Arts was transformative, enabling me to pursue my degree in Accessory Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design,” said Barrow. “Without this scholarship, I would not have had access to the world-class education that helped me develop the skills and vision needed to bring my creative dreams to life.”
The awardees over the past twenty years are: Tavares Strachan (2004);Heino Schmid (2005); Amielle Major (2006); Sonovia Pierre (2007); Nathan Lightbourne (2008); Dion Cunningham (2009); Sonia Farmer (2010); Gregory Curry (2011); Jeffrey Meris (2012); Thea Rutherford (2013); Averia Wright (2015); Aidan Barrow (2016); Jeffrey Meris (2017); Karese Burrows (2018); Stefan Thompson (2019); Letitia Pratt (2020); Lemuel Johnson (2021); Clarence Albury (2021); Alexia Tolas (2023); Giovanni T. Clarke (2024) and Cydne Coleby (2024).
About Lyford Cay Foundations
Lyford Cay Foundations are comprised of Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. and The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation, registered charities established in 1969 and 1977, respectively. Lyford Cay Foundations believe that increasing educational attainment across the country is key to the development of a prosperous, healthy and peaceful Bahamas.
Lyford Cay Foundations has a mission to invest in learning opportunities for children, young adults, families and communities, all made possible by the generosity of donors. Through a variety of programmes, Lyford Cay Foundations assist children in school as they prepare for college, students leaving school with scholarships to attend college in The Bahamas and abroad, and non-profits providing learning opportunities. To date, more than $50 million has been invested in the lives of Bahamians.
