Antigua and Barbuda is set to transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and artistic expression this fall with the highly anticipated return of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (ABAW). Scheduled from November 26 to December 2, 2025, the third edition of this burgeoning cultural festival will unfold under the dynamic theme, “Culture in Colour,” promising an immersive experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of the Caribbean’s artistic landscape.
A Kaleidoscope of Culture: ‘Culture in Colour’ Unveiled
The theme “Culture in Colour” encapsulates the essence of the event, inviting artists and audiences alike to explore the boundless spectrum of expression rooted in local heritage yet open to global influences. This festival is more than just an exhibition; it’s a movement designed to turn the twin islands into living galleries. Through a diverse program, visitors and residents will encounter art, fashion, music, dance, and spoken word performances integrated into unexpected public and private spaces, from historic quays to arrival halls. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), in partnership with the Department of Culture, spearheads this initiative, aiming to spotlight the nation’s heritage and arts for visitors seeking unique cultural encounters.
A Platform for Island Talent and Beyond
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2025 will showcase an impressive roster of over fifty visual artists from the nation, alongside a significant contingent of international and diaspora creatives. Esteemed local artists such as Heather Doram, Mark Brown, Makŏ Williams, Emile Hill, Gilly Gobinet, Faye Edwards, Jan Farara, and Guava De Artist are set to feature their work. The event also champions emerging talent, with students from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies’ Fine Arts and Creative Studies Department presenting their exhibition, “Vernacular,” which delves into local identity through various mediums.
Expanding its regional and global reach, ABAW 2025 proudly includes contributions from artists outside Antigua and Barbuda. Notable international participants include Canadian artist Kwame Delfish, U.S.-based Odessa Whitlock, and Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn, fostering new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the Caribbean art scene. Maria Blackman, Art Week Lead and Marketing Communications Manager at ABTA, expressed excitement over the overwhelming response from artists across the Caribbean and the diaspora, highlighting the event’s growing international appeal.
Connecting Past and Present: Honoring Artistic Legacies
A poignant aspect of this year’s Art Week will be a special tribute at Barracks Studio in Redcliffe Quay. This pop-up exhibition will serve as a powerful retrospective, honoring the indelible legacies of late Antiguan artists like E.T. Henry, Frank Walters, and Jill Walker. This initiative aims to preserve their contributions to the nation’s cultural identity and connect contemporary audiences with the foundational figures of Antiguan art.
Beyond Gallery Walls: Immersive Art Experiences
The festival is designed to offer a multi-faceted artistic journey, extending far beyond traditional gallery spaces. Highlights include an opening night celebration at the historic Redcliffe Quay featuring live art demonstrations and music. Art installations and murals will appear throughout the islands as part of the “Heart for Art” initiative. For those seeking interactive experiences, events like “Canvas and Cocktails” and “Mandalas and Mojitos” combine art-making with culinary and mixology elements. The popular Art and Culture Bus Tours will guide visitors through galleries, studios, and artisan workshops. Additionally, a dedicated “Expressions of Art and Fashion” exhibit will be featured at V.C. Bird International Airport, welcoming travelers with a display of student and established artists’ work. The week will also feature fashion showcases, including designer Garrett Javan’s “ZOIGE” collection.
Boosting the Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism
Antigua and Barbuda Art Week is a strategic component of the nation’s broader effort to strengthen its creative economy and affirm the vital role of art in national identity. By transforming the islands into a dynamic canvas, the event enhances cultural tourism, drawing visitors eager to experience the authentic creative pulse of the Caribbean. The festival provides a crucial platform for artists to exhibit, network, and connect with a wider audience, fostering professional development and increasing visibility for Antiguan art on the international stage. This focus on cultural enrichment, alongside other initiatives like Culinary Month, positions Antigua and Barbuda as a leading destination for immersive travel experiences.
With a diverse program ranging from free community events to ticketed experiences, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2025 invites everyone to immerse themselves in the “Culture in Colour” and discover the artistic soul of this dynamic Caribbean nation. This celebration reaffirms the region’s creative vitality, bridging tradition and innovation and offering a compelling narrative of identity and expression.