CARIFESTA XV Visual Arts: A Living Canvas of Caribbean Creativity

Today, as CARIFESTA XV unfolds in Barbados under the theme “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence”, the Visual Arts Programme emerges as one of the most vibrant expressions of the festival. From national exhibitions to murals that transform city streets, the programme is alive with colour, collaboration, and innovation.

Bridgetown as a Gallery

Walking through Bridgetown this week, the city itself becomes a gallery. Public art installations rise in open spaces, while murals bring new life to walls, telling stories of resistance, joy and heritage. The initiative “Voices on the Walls” sees artists from across the region working with local communities to co-create murals that speak of shared identity and hope.

Exhibitions and Open Studios

Inside the galleries, national and regional exhibitions present a wide range of works including paintings, sculptures, photography and digital art. At the same time, open studio tours invite visitors into artists’ creative spaces, offering a chance to engage with the process and to meet the makers shaping the Caribbean’s contemporary visual language.

Art for Everyone

Accessibility defines this year’s programming. A pioneering mural for the visually impaired opens new possibilities for inclusive experience, allowing audiences to engage with texture and form beyond sight. Workshops such as Urban Mural Masterclasses and International Painting Sessions bring together established and emerging artists, fostering dialogue and creative exchange.

Sustainability and Innovation

The festival also embraces environmental consciousness. Through the Sustainable Community Beautification Projects, communities are creating installation art from recycled materials including bottle caps, tiles, fabrics and metals, proving that waste can become wonder. Alongside these works, digital storytelling and online catalogues extend the reach of Caribbean art to global audiences, blending heritage with technology.

Supporting the Creative Economy

Behind the vibrant displays is a commitment to sustaining the creative ecosystem. Mobility Assistance Grants valued at US $2,500 support artists in overcoming barriers of travel and shipping, ensuring broader participation. These opportunities, combined with exposure through exhibitions, tours and digital showcases, strengthen the visibility of the region’s visual arts.

Why It Matters

The Visual Arts Programme is not only a celebration of artistic talent but also an act of community building and cultural affirmation. It champions inclusivity, embraces sustainability and demonstrates the power of visual storytelling to connect Caribbean heritage with global conversations.

As CARIFESTA XV continues, the artworks across Barbados remind us that the Caribbean is not only producing art but living it in the present moment.