Shelly-Ann Inniss presents one of the newest events on the islands’ festival calendar
orntigua & Barbuda is relatively small at just over 100 square miles. Of course, you can always accept the evergreen invitation to find your favorite among its 365 beaches; and experience its exciting festivals – including Art Week, one of the newest additions to the islands’ cultural calendar.
With contemporary artist Heather Doram one of the driving forces behind its creation, Art Week – which debuted last year under the theme “Colorful Culture” – features painters and sculptors, musicians and poets, dancers, designers, artists and other creatives. . And after the inaugural event in 2023, they’ll team up to do it again Nov. 27-Dec. 3.
Some of the islands’ most famous landmarks and restaurants along Antigua’s south coast host exciting Art Week events. Located in English Harbour, Nelson’s Dockyard is the only continuously operating Georgian-style shipyard in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy breathtaking views at Shirley Heights Lookout – some 490 meters above English Harbor – which is hosting a Cocktails and Canvas event as part of the festival.
The exhibitions and 16 participating art galleries are open to everyone, and the festival produces an official art trail map so you can find them all — including Rhythm of Blue Art Gallery (English Harbour); Stephen Murphy’s Zemi Art Gallery (Redcliffe Quay); Sarah Fuller Pottery (Dutchman’s Bay); and Fig Tree Studio Art Gallery (Fig Tree Drive).
Self-guided tours allow you to soak it all in at your own pace. Alternatively, the Art and Culture Bus Tour is a great way to visit some of the galleries while sightseeing and gaining more insight into the culture of the twin islands.
From art and fashion exhibitions to art workshops, pop-up markets to exhibitions, every day of Art Week features something unique, fun, inspiring and engaging – and that’s before you start exploring all the islands that can offer.
The young at heart and adventurers can enjoy adding increasingly popular activities like horseback riding, powering ATVs up and down Antigua’s rolling hills, hiking and mountain biking to their itineraries; while birders will delight in the chance to spot some of the approximately 100,000 birds housed at the Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Whether it’s soaking in the sweet rhythms of steel pans against the backdrop of the harbor, or getting your hands dirty while painting with one of the featured artists, Antigua & Barbuda Art Week showcases the magic of this beautiful country while honoring the creativity of artists her.
