Antigua and Barbuda is poised to transform into a vibrant canvas of artistic expression as it prepares to host the third edition of its annual Art Week from November 26 to December 2, 2025. Under the compelling theme, “Culture in Colour,” this week-long festival promises an immersive experience, celebrating the rich tapestry of visual arts, fashion, music, dance, spoken word, and culinary traditions that define the twin-island nation and the broader Caribbean.
A Spectrum of Creativity: The ‘Culture in Colour’ Vision
The theme “Culture in Colour” serves as a vibrant metaphor for the diverse artistic expressions and the cultural richness that Antigua and Barbuda aims to showcase. It invites artists and audiences alike to explore the multifaceted identities, stories, and influences that shape the islands’ creative landscape. This theme underscores a commitment to presenting art not just as visual spectacle, but as a dynamic reflection of heritage, innovation, and contemporary life.
An Extensive Artistic Line-Up
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2025 is set to feature an impressive roster of over fifty of the nation’s most talented visual artists. Among the prominent local names participating are Heather Doram, Mark Brown, Makŏ Williams, Emile Hill, Gilly Gobinet, Faye Edwards, Jan Farara, and Guava De Artist, among many others. Their work will be displayed across various exhibitions, including a special show titled “Vernacular” at the Dr. Alister Francis Campus, which will highlight local identity through diverse mediums.
The event also extends its embrace to emerging talents, with students from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies’ Fine Arts and Creative Studies Department showcasing their innovative pieces. The annual Student Art Competition, themed ‘Life in Antigua and Barbuda’ for ages 7–17, will see winning entries displayed at the V.C. Bird International Airport, offering a potent first impression of Antiguan creativity to arriving travelers.
Immersive Experiences and Cultural Fusion
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week is meticulously crafted to offer an island-wide program filled with diverse and engaging events. The festival officially kicks off on November 26 at Redcliffe Quay with an Opening Night Celebration featuring live art demonstrations and musical performances under the stars.
Throughout the week, attendees can expect a dynamic schedule of activities. The popular Art and Culture Bus Tours will return on November 28 and 29, guiding visitors through galleries, artisan studios, and cultural hotspots. Fashion takes a prominent spotlight on November 30 with the ‘ZOIGE’ Fashion Show and Exhibit, curated by Antiguan designer Garrett Javan.
Experiential art evenings will blend creativity with social engagement, including events like ‘Canvas and Cocktails’ and ‘Mandalas and Mojitos’, which combine art-making with mixology and food. Discussions on the evolving creative industries will be held during Art Talks, including a panel on “The Future of Caribbean Creativity”.
A poignant tribute will be paid to the island’s artistic heritage with a special exhibition pop-up at Barracks Studio in Redcliffe Quay, honouring the legacies of late Antiguan artists such as E.T. Henry, Frank Walters, and Jill Walker, creating a powerful retrospective that bridges past and present.
Bridging the Diaspora and the Caribbean
This year’s edition significantly expands its scope by fostering connections with artists from the diaspora and the wider Caribbean. International guests, including Canada-based artist Kwame Delfish, US-based artist Odessa Whitlock, and Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn, will participate, enriching the event with diverse perspectives and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Delfish is slated to appear on a panel discussing the future of Caribbean creativity, while Whitlock, Anslyn, and Grandma Mirie will collaborate on an interactive sip-and-paint event. The overwhelming interest from artists across the Caribbean and diaspora, including from Haiti and Guadeloupe, highlights the growing international recognition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week.
Art as a Catalyst for Tourism and Community
Presented by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority in partnership with the Department of Culture, Art Week is strategically designed to spotlight the destination’s heritage, culture, and arts. “Art Week is an invitation to immerse yourself in the creativity, culture, and stories that make our twin-islands unique,” states Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “Beyond our 365 beaches, Art Week places on show the creative side of Antigua and Barbuda, and we look forward to sharing that with everyone who joins us.”.
The festival aims to attract cultural tourists and art enthusiasts, bolstering the island’s economy and positioning it as a year-round destination for both relaxation and artistic exploration. By moving beyond traditional gallery walls and into community spaces, Art Week encourages direct engagement between visitors, artists, and local enterprises, supporting the “orange economy”. Maria Blackman, Art Week Lead and Marketing Communications Manager, emphasizes the event’s core focus on community engagement and placing local artists in the spotlight.
Most activities are free and open to the public, with select ticketed events starting at EC$75. Hotel packages are also available, offering a comprehensive visitor experience. As Antigua and Barbuda prepares to paint its islands with “Culture in Colour,” Art Week 2025 reaffirms the region’s vibrant creative pulse and its growing significance on the global arts calendar, offering a unique blend of Caribbean lifestyle and compelling news for art aficionados worldwide.