New public art installation, expanded exhibitions, and immersive experiences headline the 2026 programme
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has announced plans for the fourth edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, taking place across the destination from November 11–18, 2026.
Unveiled during the Antigua and Barbuda Art Week media launch at Quay Studio in historic Redcliffe Quay, this year’s programme introduces several exciting new initiatives, including ‘Dual Thresholds’, a landmark public art installation; a retrospective exhibition celebrating acclaimed artist Maria Ross Iztueta; expanded exhibition spaces; and an enhanced calendar of immersive experiences designed to encourage residents and visitors to experience Antigua and Barbuda through the eyes of its artists.
Chief Marketing Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Charmaine 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.”
During the launch, Spencer joined visual artist Dylan Phillips to unveil a preview of two vibrantly painted doors that will form part of ‘Dual Thresholds’, a striking new public art exhibition. The featured doors were created by Phillips and renowned Antiguan artist Heather Doram, MFA, GCM.
Developed by Quay Barracks Art Galleries, Dual Thresholds transforms reclaimed wooden doors into original works of art inspired by the people, culture, landscapes, and everyday life of Antigua and Barbuda. The installation will feature 28 freestanding, double-sided doors created by artists from across Antigua and Barbuda.
The exhibition will make its debut during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), taking place in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1–4, before officially opening to the public during Antigua and Barbuda Art Week.
Another major highlight announced at the launch is a retrospective exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late Maria Ross Iztueta (1934–2024). The exhibition will serve as the featured showcase at The Barracks Gallery.
Curator Stephen Murphy, who announced the exhibition alongside the artist’s daughter Amaya Ross, said:
“Maria Ross made an incredible contribution to the art community in Antigua and Barbuda. This exhibition provides an opportunity to introduce her work to new audiences during Art Week.”
Additional highlights of the 2026 programme include:
- Art in the Quay
- The return of the Art and Cultural Village
- Meet the Artist open studios and gallery sessions
- The Art Trail and the new Art Trail Passport
- Flavours & Canvas, an immersive culinary and painting experience
- The Art Battle live painting competition
- Fashion presentations
- Additional exhibitions and cultural experiences
Further programme details will be announced in the lead-up to Art Week.
Tourism and culture officials, artists, and invited guests attending the launch also enjoyed the premiere of the first Meet the Artist video featuring Heather Doram, MFA, GCM, along with a moving dub poetry performance by O’dane Doyley, both inspired by this year’s campaign theme:
“Every Destination Has a Story. Ours is Told in Colour.”
Visual artists Emile Hill, Stephen Murphy, and Dylan Phillips also addressed attendees, encouraging fellow creatives to participate in Antigua and Barbuda Art Week.
Marketing Communications Manager and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Committee Lead Maria Blackman said:
“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.”
The Tourism Authority is encouraging artists from Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider Caribbean to respond to the ongoing Call for Artists, with submissions remaining open until July 30 for those wishing to participate in this year’s event. The online application form is available at www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.
Businesses, organisations, and community partners are also invited to participate through sponsorships and collaborative partnerships. In support of the Dual Thresholds initiative, the Tourism Authority is inviting businesses, contractors, and members of the public to donate suitable wooden doors to the galleries in Redcliffe Quay for use by participating artists.
For partnership opportunities and more information about Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, contact the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority at +1 (268) 562-7600, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com, or follow @AntiguaBarbudaArtWeek on social media.
Photo Caption: Chief Marketing Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Charmaine Spencer, and visual artist Dylan Phillips unveil a preview of the ‘Dual Thresholds’ Doors Project during the Antigua and Barbuda Art Week media launch, offering a colourful glimpse of the public art installation set to debut this November. The featured doors were created by prominent visual artists Heather Doram, MFA, GCM, and Dylan Phillips. (Photo courtesy of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.)
