The fourth edition of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week will return from November 11–18, 2026, with an expanded programme of exhibitions, public art installations, immersive cultural experiences, and interactive events that continue to position the twin-island nation as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations for cultural tourism.

Unveiled during a media launch at Quay Studio in the historic Redcliffe Quay, this year’s programme introduces several exciting additions, including a striking public art installation, a retrospective exhibition honouring one of the country’s most influential artists, expanded exhibition spaces, and a series of interactive experiences that continue to position the destination as a cultural tourism leader in the Caribbean.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Marketing Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), Charmaine Spencer, said the event reflects the changing expectations of modern travellers.

“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,” Spencer remarked.

One of this year’s headline attractions is ‘Dual Thresholds’, a large-scale public art installation developed by Quay Barracks Art Galleries that transforms reclaimed wooden doors into original works of art inspired by the people, landscapes, culture, and everyday life of Antigua and Barbuda.

The installation will feature 28 freestanding, double-sided doors, each uniquely designed by artists from across Antigua and Barbuda. During the launch, Spencer and visual artist Dylan Phillips unveiled two of the first completed pieces, created by Phillips and celebrated Antiguan artist Heather Doram, MFA, GCM, offering guests an early glimpse of what promises to become one of the festival’s signature attractions.

‘Dual Thresholds’ will make its international debut during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which takes place in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1–4, before opening to the public as part of Antigua and Barbuda Art Week.

The week will also pay tribute to one of the nation’s most respected artists through a retrospective exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late Maria Ross Iztueta (1934–2024). Hosted at The Barracks Gallery, the exhibition will showcase the breadth of Ross Iztueta’s artistic contributions while introducing her work to new audiences.

Curator Stephen Murphy, who announced the exhibition alongside the artist’s daughter Amaya Ross, described it as an opportunity to honour a creative legacy that helped shape Antigua and Barbuda’s artistic landscape.

“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,” Murphy said.

Beyond its headline exhibitions, Antigua and Barbuda Art Week 2026 promises an extensive calendar of events that blends visual art, culture, gastronomy, fashion, and community engagement.

Visitors can look forward to the return of favourites such as Art in the Quay, the Art and Cultural Village, Meet the Artist open studio sessions, and the Art Trail, while several new experiences will make their debut, including the Art Trail Passport, designed to encourage visitors to explore participating venues across the destination.

The programme will also feature Flavours & Canvas, an immersive experience combining culinary arts with painting, the return of the crowd-favourite Art Battle live painting competition, fashion showcases, and a growing number of exhibitions celebrating local artistic talent.

The launch itself offered a preview of the creative energy visitors can expect in November. Guests were treated to the premiere of the first “Meet the Artist” video featuring Heather Doram, as well as a moving dub poetry performance by poet O’dane Doyley, both inspired by this year’s campaign theme, “Every Destination Has a Story. Ours is Told in Colour.”

Visual artists Emile Hill, Stephen Murphy, and Dylan Phillips also encouraged fellow creatives to become involved in this year’s staging.

Looking ahead, Marketing Communications Manager and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week Committee Lead Maria Blackman said the launch marks the beginning of a months-long campaign leading into November.

“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,” Blackman said.

The Tourism Authority is also encouraging artists from Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider Caribbean to participate in this year’s event through its ongoing Call for Artists, which remains open until July 30. Businesses, organisations, and community partners are likewise being invited to support the festival through sponsorships and collaborations.

As part of the Dual Thresholds initiative, the Tourism Authority is appealing to businesses, contractors, and members of the public to donate suitable reclaimed wooden doors that participating artists can transform into works of public art.

Antigua and Barbuda Art Week continues to evolve beyond a traditional arts festival into a destination-wide celebration of creativity, cultural identity, and community. By bringing together artists, visitors, businesses, and cultural institutions, the event not only showcases the country’s creative talent but also reinforces the growing role of arts and culture as a cornerstone of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism offering.