Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a groundbreaking artistic endeavor to engage its youth in the reparatory justice dialogue. The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has unveiled the 2026 Reparations Art Competition, calling upon secondary school and college students to creatively interpret ‘The Spirit of Reparations through Art.’
The competition will commence in February 2026, strategically aligned with Black History/Heritage Month observances. It challenges young creators to visually articulate core reparations principles including healing, justice, unity, empowerment, cultural pride, and identity formation. The submission deadline coincides with World Art Day on April 15th, 2026, with a public exhibition scheduled for September 2026 during Africa/CARICOM Month.
Eligibility spans three age categories: Secondary school students (11-13 years), Secondary school students (14-17 years), and College students (16-20 years). Participants may submit original traditional or mixed media artworks accompanied by a 50-150 word explanatory statement connecting their creation to the competition’s thematic focus.
The commission has allocated EC$3,000 in cash and prizes for exceptional entries across categories, with all participants receiving certificates of recognition.
Bernard Peters, Education Officer for Visual Arts, emphasized the transformative potential of artistic expression: ‘Art remains one of humanity’s most potent instruments for truth-telling and emotional restoration. This initiative provides our youth with a platform to interrogate, process, and articulate their understanding of reparations beyond historical parameters into emotional and cultural dimensions.’
ABRSC Chair Dorbrene O’Marde elaborated on the competition’s philosophical underpinnings: ‘Reparations discourse transcends legal and political realms—it represents a fundamental human conversation. Through artistic engagement, we foster critical thinking, cultural affirmation, and intergenerational consciousness. This competition empowers our youth to envision justice and healing through their unique creative perspectives.’
This artistic initiative constitutes part of the Commission’s broader commitment to public education, cultural expression, and youth involvement in the reparatory justice movement. Interested participants may obtain detailed submission guidelines through official channels or WhatsApp communication at 464-2744.