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ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda– Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to transform into one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cultural destinations as Antigua and Barbuda Art Weekreturns from November 11-18, 2026, with an expanded program that promises immersive experiences, striking public art, and a celebration of the nation’s creative talent.
Now in its fourth year, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has unveiled an ambitious lineup designed to connect visitors with the islands through art, culture, cuisine, fashion and storytelling. The announcement was made during a media launch at Quay Studio in historic Redcliffe Quay, where tourism officials, artists and members of the creative community gathered for a preview of what promises to be the event’s most exciting edition yet.
Among the headline attractions is “Dual Thresholds,”a groundbreaking public art installation featuring 28 reclaimed wooden doorstransformed into original works of art by artists from Antigua and Barbuda. The installation, developed by Quay Barracks Art Galleries, celebrates the people, landscapes and everyday life of the twin-island nation.
During the launch, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Chief Marketing Officer Charmaine Spencerand acclaimed visual artist Dylan Phillipsunveiled two of the vibrantly painted doors that will form part of the exhibition, offering guests an inspiring first glimpse of the project.
“The installation perfectly captures the spirit of Antigua and Barbuda,” Spencer said.
“Today’s visitors are looking for authentic experiences that allow them to engage and participate rather than simply observe. Antigua and Barbuda Art Week offers those opportunities by connecting visitors directly with our artists, our culture and our communities.”
The public installation will make its international debut during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), taking place November 1-4, before opening to the public during Art Week.
Another major highlight will be a retrospective exhibition honoring the late Maria Ross Iztueta (1934-2024)at The Barracks Gallery. Curated by Stephen Murphy, the exhibition celebrates one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most influential artists and will introduce her remarkable body of work to a new generation of visitors.
“Maria Ross made an incredible contribution to the art community in Antigua and Barbuda,” Murphy said. “This exhibition provides an opportunity to introduce her work to new audiences during Art Week.”
The 2026 program also expands visitor experiences with the return of Art in the Quay, the Art and Cultural Village, open studios and Meet the Artistsessions, the popular Art Trail, and the debut of an Art Trail Passportencouraging visitors to explore galleries and creative spaces across the islands.
Guests can also enjoy Flavours & Canvas, an immersive culinary and painting experience, live Art Battlecompetitions, fashion presentations, and a series of new exhibitions showcasing the diversity of Antigua and Barbuda’s artistic community.
The media launch itself reflected the creative energy visitors can expect in November. Guests viewed the premiere of the first Meet the Artistvideo featuring internationally acclaimed artist Heather Doram, MFA, GCM, experienced a powerful dub poetry performance by O’dane Doyley, and heard inspiring remarks from artists Emile Hill, Stephen Murphy, and Dylan Phillips, all centered around the campaign theme:
“Every Destination Has a Story. Ours is Told in Colour.”
Leading the creative vision behind the growing festival is Maria Blackman, Marketing Communications Manager at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority and Chair of the Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Committee. Blackman has played a key role in developing Art Week into one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing cultural tourism events, positioning it as a platform that celebrates local artists while strengthening the destination’s cultural identity.
Speaking at the launch, Blackman emphasized that this year’s announcement marks only the beginning.
“Today’s launch begins our journey to Art Week in November. Over the coming months, we will introduce participating artists, announce additional experiences and continue working with partners to encourage participation from the creative community, the tourism industry, the business sector and the general public.”
Her vision reflects the Tourism Authority’s broader strategy of using arts and culture to create meaningful visitor experiences while providing new opportunities for local creatives, businesses and communities.
The Tourism Authority is also encouraging artists from Antigua and Barbuda and across the Caribbean to answer the current Call for Artists, with submissions remaining open through July 30. Businesses and community partners are likewise invited to support the event through sponsorships, collaborations and donations of reclaimed wooden doors for the ambitious Dual Thresholdsinstallation.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to diversify its tourism offering beyond its celebrated beaches, Art Week is rapidly emerging as one of the destination’s signature cultural experiences—bringing together artists, residents, and international visitors in a colorful celebration of creativity, heritage, and authentic Caribbean culture.
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