Why Antigua and Barbuda Will Be a Caribbean Art Capital This Fall
The vibrant arts scene of Antigua and Barbuda will take center stage once again as the twin-island nation prepares for the third edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Running from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2, 2025, the celebration promises a full week of “Culture in Color,” showcasing more than fifty of the country’s most talented visual artists, alongside international guests and immersive art experiences.
The festival will bring together some of the country’s most acclaimed names, including Heather Doram, Mark Brown, Makŏ Williams, Emile Hill, Gilly Gobinet, Faye Edwards, Jan Farara and Guava De Artist.
Students from the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies’ Fine Arts and Creative Studies Department will also present “Vernacular,” a special exhibition featuring emerging voices in Antiguan and Barbudan art.
A dedicated pop-up at Barracks Studio in Redcliffe Quay will pay tribute to the late legends of Antiguan art, including E.T. Henry, Frank Walters and Jill Walker, creating what organizers describe as a “powerful retrospective” that connects past and present.
A series of exhibitions will be spread across the island, transforming galleries and studios into a living canvas. Participating venues include The Quay Studio, Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery, Art House, Jan Farara Art Gallery, Gilly Gobinet Art, Zemi Art Gallery and Goodhumans268, among others. At V. C. Bird International Airport, travelers will also encounter “Expressions of Art and Fashion,” featuring the work of top student artists and designers.
“This year, we are not only celebrating the creativity that exists here at home but also developing meaningful connections with artists outside of Antigua and Barbuda,” Maria Blackman, Art Week Lead and Marketing Communications Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, told Caribbean Journal.
The 2025 edition expands its scope with contributions from the diaspora and the wider Caribbean, including Canada-based artist Kwame Delfish, U.S.-based Odessa Whitlock and Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn.
Delfish will appear on a panel discussion about the future of Caribbean creativity, while Whitlock, Anslyn and Grandma Mirie will collaborate on an interactive sip-and-paint and culinary event, “Shades and ChARTCuterie,” at Julees restaurant.
The week will also feature a new series of art installations and murals, plus a private fashion presentation by designer Garrett Javan showcasing his “ZOIGE” collection. Visitors can expect an island-wide program of live music, dance, workshops and interactive experiences, including Mandalas and Mojitos at Bay Gardens, Rhythm and Vibes at Hodges Bay Resort and Spa, Canvas and Cocktails at Heritage Quay, and the Brunch with the Arts event at Julees.
Art Week events include both free and ticketed experiences, with prices starting at EC$70. Hotel packages begin at US$259 per night.
Caitlin Sullivan began her career with Caribbean Journal as Arts and Culture editor before shifting to travel full time. She writes frequently on the Caribbean cruise industry, flight networks and broader travel news. Her most frequent Caribbean destination? Nassau.
