The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) has announced plans for the fourth edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week that will take place across the destination from November 11–18, 2026.
This year’s programme, released during the Antigua and Barbuda Art Week media launch at Quay Studio in historic Redcliffe Quay, introduces several new initiatives. They include ‘Dual Thresholds’, a unique public art installation, a retrospective exhibition celebrating artist Maria Ross Iztueta, expanded exhibition spaces and a growing calendar of 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.”
Developed by Quay Barracks Art Galleries, ‘Dual Thresholds’ is a public art exhibition that transforms reclaimed wooden doors into original works of art inspired by the people, culture, landscapes and everyday life of Antigua and Barbuda. The exhibition will feature 28 freestanding, double-sided doors created by artists in Antigua and Barbuda.
The installation will debut during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), taking place in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1- 4, before opening for public viewing during Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026.
The retrospective exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late Maria Ross Iztueta (1934 – 2024) was also announced at the launch, and will be the featured exhibit at The Barracks Gallery.
Curator Stephen Murphy shared the news alongside the late artist’s daughter Amaya Ross. Murphy noted that, “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 Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 programme highlights include ‘Art in the Quay’, the return of the ‘Art and Cultural Village’, open studios and galleries with ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions, the ‘Art Trail’ and the new ‘Art Trail Passport’, ‘Flavours & Canvas’ immersive culinary arts and painting experience, the ‘Art Battle’ live painting artist competition, fashion presentations and additional exhibitions. Further programme details will be announced in the lead-up to Art Week.
Tourism and culture officials, artists and invited guests attending the launch were treated to the premiere of the first ‘Meet the Artist’ video featuring Heather Doram, MFA, GCM, as well as a moving dub poetry performance by poet O’dane Doyley, both inspired by the campaign theme, ‘Every Destination Has a Story. Ours is Told in Colour.’ Visual artists Emile Hill, Stephen Murphy and Dylan Phillips also shared remarks, 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 encouraged artists from Antigua and Barbuda and across the region to respond to the ongoing ‘Call for Artists’, with submissions remaining open until July 30 for those wishing to participate in this year’s Art Week. The online ‘Call for Artists’ entry form is available at www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.
Businesses, organisations and community partners are also invited to become involved through sponsorships and collaborations. To support 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.
