Quinte Arts Council Awards Six Student Bursaries

Each year Quinte Arts Council (QAC) awards six bursaries to students graduating from
secondary schools in Hastings and Prince Edward counties who are interested in pursuing
post-secondary education in an arts-related field. These scholarships are designed to
support young creatives as they take the next steps in their artistic journey.

QAC Student Arts Bursary

The Quinte Arts Council awards two bursaries.

Congratulations to:

Elisha Lindsay, a graduating student from Centennial Secondary School, planning to study
Acting for the Theatre at Concordia University.

Morgan Ava Cox, a graduating student from Centennial Secondary School, planning to study
Bachelor of Fine Arts at Yukon School of Visual Arts.

Hugh P. O’Neil Student Arts Bursary

Hugh P. O’Neil Bursary, one bursary will be given to students graduating from the Algonquin
and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and one bursary will be given to students
graduating from the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.

Congratulations to:

Gabrielle Taylor, a graduating student from Bayside Secondary School, planning to study for
a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at University of Ottawa.

Kimberly MacFarlane Larocque, a graduating student from St.Paul Catholic Secondary
School, planning to study Music Theatre – Performance at St.Clair College.

Susan Richardson Bursary

Well-respected Belleville Choral Society alumni Susan Richardson was a recipient of a
Quinte Arts Council’s Arts Recognition Award and provincial Arts and Culture Award. This
bursary was established in her honour.

Congratulations to:

Kimberly MacFarlane Larocque, a graduating student from St.Paul Catholic Secondary
School, planning to study Music Theatre – Performance at St.Clair College.

Elaine A. Small Bursary

Singing under the name of Elaine Steele, Elaine A. Small fashioned a successful career as a
chanteuse in the late 1970s, while travelling the USA and Canada. Elaine returned to York
University to complete her Honours degree in English, followed by a Master’s degree. She
then attended the Humber School for Writers in Toronto. Today, Elaine supports young
artists pushing boundaries in pursuit of their own dreams in the form of a bursary.

Congratulations to:

Rhys Thornton, a graduating student from Centennial Secondary School, planning to study
for a Bachelor of Music at Queen’s University.

Anita Binnie Award for the Performing Arts

This bursary aims to support and encourage students who demonstrate exceptional talent
and dedication in the performing arts. It is awarded to individuals who have shown
outstanding promise and commitment to their craft, embodying the spirit and passion that
Anita Binnie herself exemplified. Shawn Newman, supported by friends and family, created
the award in 2023 to honour Anita, who was his long-time dance teacher and mentor
throughout his youth growing up in Belleville.

Congratulations to:

Ruby Crawford, a graduating student from Centennial Secondary School, planning to study
Commercial Dance at George Brown College.

Quinte Arts Council remains dedicated to supporting young artists in our community and
fostering their growth and development.

For applications and further information about eligibility for arts education opportunities
please visit: quinteartscouncil.org/arts-education