The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has announced the launch of the third annual Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (ABAW) Student Art Competition, running until November 21, 2025. This initiative provides a vibrant platform for young visual artists to celebrate their cultural heritage and showcase their creativity through art. The theme for this year, ‘Life in Antigua and Barbuda,’ invites students to depict everyday experiences, from island life and family traditions to natural beauty and defining moments of the twin-island nation.
Open to students aged 7 to 17, the competition is divided into three age categories: 7–9, 10–12, and 13–17. Participants can submit works in painting, drawing, or mixed media, utilizing materials such as watercolours, acrylics, crayons, or collage. Maria Blackman, Marketing Communications Manager and ABAW Committee member, emphasized the importance of the arts in enriching the visitor experience and sharing the nation’s story. She expressed excitement about how young artists will interpret this year’s theme.
Mauricia Frith, ABAW Student Art Competition Committee Lead, highlighted the originality and depth of past entries, anticipating even more profound reflections of Antiguan and Barbudan identity through the eyes of young creators. Submissions must be delivered to the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority by November 21, 2025. A panel of professional artists will evaluate the entries, with winners announced at the ‘Rising Stars of Art’ awards ceremony on November 27 at V. C. Bird International Airport. The selected works will be displayed in the airport’s arrivals hall as part of the ‘Art and Fashion Exhibition,’ offering visitors a vibrant introduction to the nation’s creative talent. Prizes, including art supplies, will be awarded to top winners in each category.
Beyond the competition, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2025 will feature additional opportunities for young artists to develop their skills, including art demonstrations by Gilly Gobinet, an interactive sustainable art workshop by Good Humans 268 Inc., open galleries, and an Art and Culture Bus Tour on November 28. The event is supported by FLOW, whose commitment to youth development and creativity has been instrumental in the initiative’s success.
For more details on Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, including the event schedule and hotel packages, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow @antiguabarbudaartweek on social media.