On July 24, 2026, a landmark cross-island cultural initiative reached a joyful milestone at Jersey’s Elizabeth Marina, where a one-of-a-kind collaborative public mural was officially unveiled to mark the end of the first phase of the historic Antigua and Barbuda–Jersey Art Exchange. The project, which has united emerging young artists from both island nations to celebrate shared cultural ties, creativity, and cross-border friendship through visual art, represents a deepening of the growing partnership between the two regions.
Three emerging student artists from Antigua and Barbuda — Joyce Murray-Watkins, Trinity Hughes, and Tse Pigott, all enrolled at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) — traveled to Jersey to collaborate alongside local Jersey artists. The cross-cultural team worked under the creative guidance of Mark Brown, head of ABCAS’ Department of Fine Arts and Creative Studies, to bring the shared vision to life.
Centered on the evocative theme “Safe Haven Across the Sea,” the finished mural weaves together imagery that honors the parallel histories, distinct identities, and interconnected cultures of both island communities. Iconic local landmarks, native plant species, long-held cultural traditions, and the ocean that links the two territories all feature prominently in the large-scale public work.
This art exchange is just one component of the expanding bilateral partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and Jersey, which has grown in recent years to include collaborative work across education, leadership development, hospitality, sports, music, and creative industries. The collaboration will enter its second phase later this year, ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) set to be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda. For the next phase, three Jersey creatives — painter Max Corbett, artist and illustrator Aimée Cast, and filmmaker Toby Norman, who will document the entire creative process — will travel to Antigua and Barbuda to create a second public mural. They will partner with local Antiguan and Barbudan artists, with project coordination led by curator and facilitator Jacqueline Rutter and Mark Brown, who co-developed the creative framework for the full exchange.
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, praised the successful completion of the first phase of the initiative. “The unveiling of this mural is a wonderful celebration of what can be achieved when young people are brought together through creativity and cultural exchange,” she said. “Beyond the artwork itself, this project has fostered lasting friendships, encouraged deep mutual understanding, and further strengthened the longstanding relationship between our two nations. I join the Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Education, Science and Technology Minister the Honourable Daryll Matthew, ABCAS President Dr. E. Jonah Greene, all our project donors, in expressing how immensely proud we are of Joyce, Trinity and Tse for representing our nation with such extraordinary talent, professionalism, and enthusiasm.”
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the exchange for his students, Mark Brown shared that the opportunity had reshaped how the young Antiguan and Barbudan creators view cross-cultural connection through art. “This exchange has been a truly transformative experience for our students, providing them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, collaborate with fellow artists and see firsthand how art can build bridges between divided or distant communities,” Brown explained. “Every element of the mural was carefully chosen to celebrate the resilience, creativity and unique character of each place while highlighting our shared humanity as people connected by the sea.”
For participating young artist Tse Pigott, the experience expanded both her artistic practice and personal worldview. “This exchange has given me an opportunity to see a new part of the world and experience different styles of art and culture,” Pigott said. “Being exposed to the island of Jersey, and especially the people who call it home, enabled me to broaden my own perspective. The biggest inspiration for this project came from our fellow artists’ stories and their collaborative effort to learn all about Antigua and Barbuda.”
Fellow participant Trinity Hughes echoed that sentiment, noting that the collaboration reinforced her appreciation for both cross-cultural teamwork and her own cultural heritage. “Being part of the team of artists who painted this mural was an incredible experience,” Hughes said. “It gave us the opportunity to exchange cultures and learn about Jersey’s history and iconic landmarks, such as the cows, the castle and the lighthouse, which we incorporated into the mural. Working alongside artists with different styles taught me the value of collaboration, and the experience also made me appreciate my own culture even more.”
Joyce Murray-Watkins, the third participating Antiguan and Barbudan artist, described the experience as both deeply inspiring and professionally rewarding. “The trip was an amazing experience and opportunity that I was delighted to be a part of,” Murray-Watkins said. “The Jersey community was very welcoming and hospitable. As an artist, this trip allowed me to grow and create away from home, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity.”
The groundbreaking art exchange would not have been possible without the generous financial and logistical support of a wide coalition of partners, including ArtHouse Jersey, the Government of Jersey, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, Ambassador Sami Al-Mufleh, Ann Chapman-Daniel and Shiri Daniel of the Galleon Foundation, Alison Morgan and the JCG Foundation, participating host families, and all additional contributing partners and sponsors.
