luxury locations issue 21

FEATURE

ART AND SOUL: INAUGURAL ART WEEK PUTS SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTRY’S CULTURE AND

CREATIVITY Y ou already know our twin isles boast some of the region’s most animated Carnival festivities. But Antigua and Barbuda’s rich culture is instilled into a wide array of creative offerings that go far beyond the traditional summer celebrations. For one week in April, the talents of painters, poets, musicians, dancers, sculptors and more came together for the inaugural edition of Art Week. More than 30 artists took part, comprising a vibrant tapestry of the country’s ingenuity. Organised by the Tourism Authority and held under the theme ‘culture in colour’, the aim was to offer visitors a true taste of the nation. Tourists were given a first glimpse upon touchdown at the international airport where the creations of three young fashion designers were on display. The couture was complemented by an extensive visual arts presentation in the arrivals hall. The festival officially kicked off with an exhibition at the Gunpowder House in

Nelson’s Dockyard featuring the work of more than local 20 artists.

up with a ‘Rhythm and Vibes’ evening at Ana’s on the Beach where guests enjoyed live music while browsing the Dickenson Bay eatery’s displays. There was also a screening under the stars of ‘The Skin’, a movie created by Antiguan production company HaMa Films in which a young couple encounter mysterious happenings after they find and sell an ancient artefact. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez said Art Week was a chance to showcase the range of visionary work that Antigua and Barbuda’s people have to offer. “Art Week brings increased national, regional and international attention to their talent, as we continue to fill out our destination calendar with new and exciting events that promote our culture,” he added. n

During the week, a specially designed art trail took participants on a journey through a variety of beguiling spaces, from the home-cum-gallery of painter Gilly Gobinet, known for her murals, watercolours and seascapes, to Zemi Art Gallery in St John’s where Stephen Murphy can often be found crafting intriguing pieces from recycled materials. Aspiring artists were given the opportunity to take part in interactive painting sessions, before activities wrapped Tourists were given a first glimpse upon touchdown at the international airport where the creations of three young fashion designers were on display.

To find artists in Antigua and Barbuda, visit art_in_antigua_and_barbuda

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Photos by Alex Rhodes and Antigua & Barbuda Live

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