Shelley Ann Innis previews one of the newest events on the Island’s festival calendar
aAntigua and Barbuda may be a relatively small island at just over 100 square miles, but there’s always something to do, from finding your favorite beach among 365 beaches to experiencing exciting festivals like Arts Week, the latest addition to the island’s cultural calendar.
The art week, which was founded by contemporary artist Heather Drumm, first took place last year with the theme “Cultures of Color” and showcases painters, sculptors, musicians, poets, dancers, fashion designers and other artists and creators. After its first run in 2023, they will come together again from November 27 to December 3 this year.
Along Antigua’s south coast, some of the islands’ most famous landmarks and restaurants will host exciting Art Week events. Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour is the world’s only working Georgian dockyard and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shirley Heights Lookout, some 490 feet above English Harbour, offers breathtaking views and will host a Cocktails and Canvas event as part of the festival.
The exhibitions and 16 participating art galleries are open to the public, and the festival has created an official art trail map to help you find all the galleries, including Rhythm of Blue Art Gallery (English Harbour), Stephen Murphy’s Zemis Art Gallery (Redcliffe Quay), Sarah Fuller Pottery (Dutchman’s Bay) and Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery (Fig Tree Drive).
A self-guided tour allows you to soak it all up at your own pace, while the Art and Culture Bus Tour is a great way to visit galleries and learn more about the Twin Islands’ culture as you sightsee.
From art and fashion exhibitions to art workshops, pop-up markets to showcases, each day of Art Week offers something unique, fun, inspiring and fascinating – and that’s before you even begin to explore all the islands have to offer.
Those who are young at heart or adventurous can add popular activities such as horse riding, ATV driving through Antigua’s rolling hills, hiking and mountain biking to their itinerary, while birdwatchers will be thrilled with the chance to spot some of the approximately 100,000 birds that call Barbados’ Frigate Bird Sanctuary home.
Whether you’re soaking up the sweet rhythms of steel pans against the harbor backdrop or getting your hands dirty painting with featured artists, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week showcases the charm of this beautiful country and celebrates the creativity of its artists.
