The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has officially opened submissions for the 2026 Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Schools’ Art Competition, an annual initiative designed to uplift young creative talent across the twin-island nation. Now marking its fourth iteration, the 2026 Art Week celebration will run from November 11 to 18, centered on elevating the creative voices, cultural perspectives, and artistic potential of the country’s next generation of creators. This year’s student competition carries the evocative theme “The Rhythm of the Islands”, which invites participants to dig into the unique energy and character that defines daily life across Antigua and Barbuda.
Unlike generic art contests, this competition is framed as more than a prize-driven event. It offers young local artists a dedicated public platform to showcase their original work, while encouraging them to reflect on the distinctive elements that make their home one-of-a-kind. The open-ended theme encourages a wide range of interpretations: students are invited to draw inspiration from everything that makes up the island’s rhythmic identity, from iconic local music and vibrant annual festivals to long-held cultural traditions, quiet daily moments, the stunning natural landscape, tight-knit community bonds, and the people who call the islands home. Each participant is encouraged to translate their personal experience of “The Rhythm of the Islands” into a unique visual artwork.
Mauricia Frith, lead organizer of the Art Week Student Art Competition, shared her perspective on the initiative’s core mission. “We want this competition to be more than just a chance to win a prize,” Frith explained. “It is an opportunity for our students to express themselves, celebrate where they live and show us Antigua and Barbuda, as they experience it. I am especially excited to see how each student interprets ‘The Rhythm of the Islands’ in a way that is uniquely their own.”
The competition is open to all primary and secondary school students between the ages of 7 and 17, with entries split into three age-based categories to ensure fair judging: 7 to 9 years old, 10 to 12 years old, and 13 to 17 years old. First, second, and third place winners will be selected in every division, with specialized industry-related prizes awarded to each top finisher. Following the competition, all winning artworks will be displayed as part of the official Antigua and Barbuda Art Week exhibition at V. C. Bird International Airport, giving the young creators’ work exposure to thousands of local and international visitors.
To be eligible, students may only submit one original piece that aligns with the competition theme. All artworks must meet specific size requirements, falling between 14 inches by 14 inches and 14 inches by 16 inches. Accepted mediums include a range of accessible materials: quick-drying paint, watercolor, acrylic, pencil crayons, wax crayons, and collage. Works must be created on approved supports: Manila paper, watercolor paper, or Bristol board. All completed entries must be submitted to the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s office at the 1st Floor, John E. St. Luce Building on Factory Road by 12:00 p.m. local time on Friday, November 6, 2026.