On October 16th, the former Central Bank Art Gallery was officially renamed the “William C. Allen Gallery” marking a seminal juncture in the Central Bank’s history.
In 1984, a decade after its founding and under the leadership of its second governor, Sir William C. Allen, the Central Bank embraced a visionary concept proposed by the then 26-year-old artist Antonius Roberts. The objective was to initiate annual art competitions and exhibitions open to high school students and other Bahamian creatives from all walks of life. At the time, it was not clear that this was the beginning of a four-decade-long success story.
This year, the Central Bank celebrates its 50th anniversary, and it seemed pertinent to name the Gallery in honour of Sir William C. Allen. Governor John A. Rolle, in his opening remarks, reminded us of Sir Allen’s passion for the arts and determination to make the annual High School and Open Call Competitions a staple event in the Bahamian cultural calendar. It is noteworthy that the Bank’s dedication to the arts predates even the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, making the Central Bank—surprisingly—one of the oldest cultural institutions in the country.
Antonius Roberts delivered the keynote speech and shared his memories of the early days of the Central Bank’s art program. He described Sir Allen as a passionate, focused, and hardworking leader who inspired and motivated through his presence and determination.
The 50-voice choir of the Central Bank performed the world premiere of the composition “We Are One-We Are Strong” by Ian Fernander, who served the Bank under all the Governors and was very close to Sir Allen. It was a heartwarming highlight of the ceremony and a formidable representation of the Central Bank’s gratitude for Sir William Allen’s exceptional achievement.
John A. Rolle, alongside Lady Aloma Allen, widow of the late Sir Allen, jointly unveiled the commemorative name plaque. The event concluded with the honorary guests and staff of the Central Bank viewing the 50th-anniversary exhibition “Pride & Evolution”, which told the history of the Bank since its inception in 1974.
Also in attendance at the gallery naming ceremony were Yolande Donaldson, widow of the late Timothy Baswell Donaldson, first governor of the Central Bank; former Central Bank Governors James Smith and Julian Francis; along with members of the Central Bank and directors and chairs of various cultural and national institutions.
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