Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Culture in Colour is the latest marketing initiative to be added to the growing calendar being rolled out by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

The statutory corporation, tasked with marketing the twin-island destination, is using creative means to drive traffic to the island during the traditionally slow months.

Art week will take place from April 16 – April 22, 2023, under the vibrant theme, ‘Culture in Colour’.  

It will feature live music, spoken word, colorful and poignant displays of Antigua and Barbuda art, dancers in bright, cultural wear, and inspired spectators will also pick up paint brushes for interactive painting sessions with featured artists during the week.

Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority Colin C. James spoke to the new initiative during an Observer Radio interview Wednesday morning.

“For us, it is just important to get as many people involved as much as possible. It’s just beautiful to celebrate our art and culture,” James said.  

Features of the inaugural Antigua and Barbuda Art Week will include: a school’s Art Competition, opening Night and Launch of an Art Exhibition, self-guided Art Walks and Studio Tours, movies under the stars, an artist showcase, and pain, sip and eat.

Art week will precede the first edition of restaurant week slated for May 7-21, 2023.

James said the 14-day gastronomical adventure is aimed at celebrating the destination’s best qualities – its food, people, and culture.

During this period visitors and residents can expect a variety of delectable cuisine across a range of restaurants at prix-fixe, discounted prices, celebrity chef appearances, and special events.  

“For all the foodies out there, we are inviting everyone. We want visitors and more importantly Antiguans and Barbudans to get out there to celebrate restaurant week.

“We are going to be celebrating our best qualities, our food, our people, and our culture. A unique part of this promotion is that we are going to eat like a local,” James said.

The twin island destination continues to make tremendous strides in the sector following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The figures recorded so far for air and sea arrivals have doubled pre-covid levels.

James credits his team which, he says, works tirelessly to market Antigua and Barbuda as the destination of choice.

“We have a phenomenal cadre of tourism professionals. They are local Antiguans and Barbudans they love this country and they do a remarkable job,” James said.