Quay Studio, a visual arts group based in the historic Redcliffe Quay, is helping young artists find their voice. This week, members of the collective visited local schools to share their artistic styles and encourage students to express themselves through visual arts.
Many Caribbean parents believe careers in law, medicine, or accounting are the best choices, which can make it hard for young people to follow their artistic dreams. Because of this, few local artists make it to the global stage. Quay Studios wants to change this by mentoring young artists and giving them the support they need to succeed in creative careers.
Quay Studio artists showed their work during school visits and engaged students in hands-on activities to spark their creativity. These sessions are part of a larger effort during Heritage Month (Black History Month) to show that art is a valuable and exciting career path.
Artists Gilly Gobinet and Makŏ Fine Art also participated in school visits. Ms. Gobinet worked with primary school students at St. Nicholas, while Makŏ engaged with Christ the King High School students.
In addition, schools have organized field trips to Quay Studio. This week, Pares Secondary and All Saints Secondary School held their field trips at the studio in Redcliffe Quay, allowing students to experience the creative space first-hand.
With the advent of Art Week, led by the Ministry of Tourism’s Hon Charles Fernandez and organized by Maria Blackman, Antigua is entering a new era of artistic evolution. This initiative highlights the country’s commitment to nurturing visual artists and celebrating their contributions to culture and national identity.
Makŏ Fine Art, a member of Quay Studio, said: “Like a calypsonian who narrates history through song, artists capture moments in time, reflecting the growth and evolution of society. An artist’s work preserves history and cultural identity, making them key storytellers of a nation’s creative growth. By sharing our artist journey, we hope to show parents and the community that art is an important part of our culture and economy.”
Makŏ stated that artists are the voice of the nation.
Heather Doram, CGM, a member of the Quay Studio, encourages institutions to invest in homegrown talent, ensuring that local art remains a proud part of our national identity. To ensure that local artistry remains rooted in Antigua and Barbuda, Heather urges businesses and institutions to invest in homegrown talent rather than relying solely on imported pieces.
The art studio collective envisions a future where Caribbean art is appreciated and integrated into everyday spaces, from hotels and government offices to banks and cultural institutions. With many artworks from Quay Studio being purchased by international patrons, it is crucial to preserve and promote our visual heritage within our own borders, ensuring future generations can experience and be inspired by the artistic excellence of their homeland.
Artists at Quay Studio hope local art will be preserved in a National Museum of Fine Art. For more information about the Quay Studio Collective, contact us at 268.780.7618 or [email protected]
