Dewitt Pratt, center, founder of the Chan Pratt Foundation, in an effort to preserve Chan Pratt's legacy as a forerunner of Bahamian art, has committed to establishing a Chan Pratt Memorial Endowment at The College of The Bahamas (COB) to assist aspiring young artists in pursuing their passion so they can then contribute to the social and cultural identity of The Bahamas. Pratt is pictured with Davinia Blair, left, vice-president of advancement at COB, and Elvardo Thompson, development officer at COB. (Photo: College of The Bahamas)

The Chan Pratt Foundation, founded by the family of the late Bahamian artist Chan Pratt in an effort to preserve his legacy as a forerunner of Bahamian art, has committed itself to establishing a Chan Pratt Memorial Endowment at the College of The Bahamas (COB). The endowment will fund art program scholarships that will assist aspiring young artists in pursuing their passion so that they can then contribute to the social and cultural identity of The Bahamas.

"We are extremely pleased about the formation of the Chan Pratt Art Scholarship endowment at The College," said Davinia Blair, vice-president of advancement. "As The College steadily transitions to the University of The Bahamas, we believe this is pivotal in the advancement of our students, the institution, and national development as a whole."

The Chan Pratt Foundation was established in December 2014 with the purpose of preserving the legacy of Chan Pratt as one of the pioneers of Bahamian art. Additionally it serves to assist in the education and training of young Bahamian artists by providing programs and scholarships to help increase their exposure and skills.

Dewitt Pratt, son of the late Chan Pratt said the decision to form the Chan Pratt Art Scholarship endowment was based on firsthand knowledge of the difficulties associated with financing a college education, especially as an art student.

"Keeping in line with our mission statement, preserving a legacy through art and education,' I thought it is only fitting to assist future artists in furthering their studies and careers in art. Moving forward, the Foundation intends on being hands on with COB students in providing opportunities, resources, and exposure whenever possible during their time as students and professional artists," he said.

In addition to the Chan Pratt Art Scholarship endowment at COB, The Foundation also supports the education and training of young artists as a means of developing their talents and stimulating their minds, thus empowering them as artists and productive Bahamian citizens.

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