Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission Launches 2026 Reparations Art Competition for Youth

PRESS RELEASE

St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda — The Antigua and Barbuda Reparations Support Commission (ABRSC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the 2026 Reparations Art Competition, inviting secondary school and college students to creatively explore the theme “The Spirit of Reparations through Art.”

The competition, which launches in February 2026 in observance of Black History/Heritage Month, seeks to inspire young artists to visually interpret the principles of reparations through themes such as healing, justice, unity, empowerment, pride, and cultural identity. Submissions will close on April 15th, 2026 – World Art Day, with a public exhibition scheduled for September 2026 during Africa/CARICOM Month.

The competition is open to Secondary school students (ages 11–13 and 14–17) and College students (ages 16–20).

Participants may submit original traditional or mixed media artworks, accompanied by a short-written description (50–150 words) explaining how their piece reflects the competition’s theme.

Speaking on the importance of youth engagement in the arts, Bernard Peters, Education Officer for Visual Arts, encouraged young creatives to see their work as part of a larger national and global dialogue:

“Art has always been a powerful tool for truth-telling and healing. This competition gives our young people the space to reflect, question, and express what reparations mean to them, not just historically, but emotionally and culturally. I strongly encourage students to participate and allow their voices to be seen and heard through their art.”

Chair of the ABRSC, Dorbrene O’Marde, underscored the deeper purpose of the initiative:

“Reparations is not only a political or legal conversation, it is a human one. By engaging our young people through art, we are nurturing critical thinking, cultural pride, and intergenerational awareness. This competition invites our youth to imagine justice, healing, and repair through their own creative lens.”

The 2026 Reparations Art Competition forms part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to public education, cultural expression, and youth engagement in the reparatory justice movement.

For more information on submission guidelines and participation, interested persons are encouraged to contact [email protected] / [email protected] or WhatsApp 464-2744.