ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ART WEEK SCHOOLS ART COMPETITION LAUNCHED BY THE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

St. John’s, Antigua (September 15, 2024) –

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority is thrilled to announce the second edition of its highly anticipated Antigua and Barbuda Art Week (ABAW) Schools Art Competition, open to students from September 17 to November 15, 2024. Building on the success of its inaugural year, the competition is designed to inspire, showcase, and celebrate the artistic talent of young students from across Antigua and Barbuda.

The Schools Art Competition is open to all primary and secondary school students across the twin-island nation. This year, the competition will feature an exciting new theme—”Made in Antigua and Barbuda”—challenging students to be creative as they reflect on Antigua and Barbuda’s culture, lifestyle, landscape, innovations, people, and so much more.

Participants are encouraged to explore the mediums of painting, drawing, mixed media, within their presentations using quick-drying paint, watercolor/acrylic paint, crayon pencils/wax crayons or collage.

“The Schools Art Competition offers young artists an invaluable platform to showcase their skills and creativity,” said Maria Blackman, Marketing Communications Manager and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Committee Member. “We are passionate about encouraging young talent, and this competition as well as other events during the week will allow the youth to engage with our culture while exploring their own artistic potential.

Mauricia Frith Schools Art Competition Committee Lead said, “The judges and committee were impressed by the creativity of entrants last year. We look forward to seeing the growth in the work of returning student artists, reviewing new entries and being inspired by the sense of national pride and culture that will be on show in each work of art.”

The categories for this year’s competition are ages 7-9, 10-12, 13-17.
In addition to the competition, ABAW 2024 will feature school visits and interactive workshops with established local artists, offering students the chance to refine their craft.

The competition will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges to include visual arts teachers and local artists. Winners of the competition will be announced at a special awards ceremony during Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, where the outstanding works will be exhibited alongside professional artists’ displays at the V. C Bird International Airport. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each category.

Prizes include art supplies, and the chance for the winning pieces to also be featured in prominent local galleries and business places, further elevating the profiles of these young artists.

Submission Details:
Submissions for the Schools Art Competition are now open. Students, teachers, and schools can submit artwork to The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, 1st Floor, John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre.

For more information about submission guidelines, rules, and important dates, please contact Committee Lead – Mauricia Frith at [email protected] and telephone 1 268 562 7600.