Department of Culture - Antigua and Barbuda

15/06/2026

The Department of Culture within the Ministry of Creative Industries, will host a comprehensive Soca and Calypso Adjudicators’ Training Workshop on Saturday, 20th June, 2026.

The workshop, which will be held at the Harrison Centre Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, forms part of the department’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the integrity, professionalism, and credibility of Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival competitions.

From 9am - 3pm on 20th June, 2026, current and prospective adjudicators responsible for evaluating performances in the major Carnival competitions, including the Soca Monarch, Party Monarch, and Calypso Monarch contests, will receive practical instructions in scoring methodologies, rubric application, performance analysis, and bias awareness.

The training, which will be facilitated by cultural practitioner and adjudication specialist, Kimdale Mackellar, will also examine key areas of assessment including lyrics, musical composition, originality, stage presentation, audience engagement, communication, and overall performance quality.

Interactive and hands-on methodology featuring group discussions, mock adjudication exercises, calibration activities, audio and video analysis, score comparison exercises, and guided feedback sessions will also be included.

As Carnival competitions continue to evolve and attract increased public interest, the Department recognizes the importance of ensuring that adjudicators possess a thorough understanding of official judging criteria and are equipped to apply them fairly, consistently, and transparently.

Through initiatives such as the adjudicator training workshop, the Department of Culture continues to strengthen the systems that ensure artistic achievement is assessed consistently, objectively, and with the highest degree of professionalism.

For additional information regarding participation in the workshop, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Department of Culture at telephone number 562-9606.

Registration can be done online https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NIf-JzalwDuLxYSC_dhY6j9XmPY7VCuNRvbQesOkcF8/viewform?chromeless=1&edit_requested=true

13/06/2026

Represent well! Congrats dancers

The journey begins! ✈️🇻🇬💃🏽

Our amazing Rep team dancers are heading to Tortola, BVI, ready to light up the stage with talent, passion, and Caribbean spirit. Travel safely, perform boldly, and enjoy every moment of this incredible experience. We are cheering you on every step of the way!

BVI DANCE FEST 2026

08/06/2026

The Department of Culture is excited to announce its 2026 "Summer in Arts and Culture" program dates and a diverse array of activities designed to inspire creativity and foster artistic development in young participants. The camp is open to two age groups: 7 to 12 years old and 13 to 17 years old, ensuring age-appropriate instruction and activities. The cost for the full program is $100.00, which does not include daily lunch.

Camp dates are from June 29th to July 10th, the "Summer in Arts and Culture" camp offers an immersive journey into various artistic disciplines. The program is meticulously crafted to provide a stimulating and supportive environment for campers to explore new talents and hone existing skills.

Program Highlights Include:

Vocal Training: Develop singing techniques and vocal performance skills.

Traditional Drumming: Explore rhythmic traditions and percussive arts.

Recorder: Learn to play this versatile instrument with foundational music theory.

Arts and Craft: Engage in hands-on creative projects, fostering imagination and fine motor skills.

Dance: Discover various dance styles and expressive movement.

Theatre: Participate in dramatic arts, building confidence and stage presence.

Steel Pan: Experience the unique and vibrant sounds of the steel pan instrument.

We are thrilled to offer a program that not only entertains but also educates and empowers young individuals through the arts, our goal is to provide a memorable summer where campers can discover their passions, build confidence, and connect with peers who share their enthusiasm for arts and culture.

Use the link below to register online or visit the Ministry of Creative industries on Old Parham Road.
https://forms.gle/LHLWtx4ohoLfJeJA8

For more information about the "Summer in Arts and Culture" camp, including detailed activity schedules and registration procedures, please email us at [email protected].

01/06/2026

The Department of Culture joins the nation in mourning the passing of Dr. Renee Smith, an exceptional music educator, choir director, youth advocate, and cultural ambassador whose contribution to the development of music and the performing arts in Antigua and Barbuda has left an indelible mark on generations.

Dr. Smith dedicated decades of committed service to the advancement of music education and choral development within the Department of Culture and across the wider national landscape. As Director of the National Youth Choir from 2004, she inspired and mentored countless young people, nurturing not only musical excellence but also discipline, confidence, leadership, and national pride through the arts.
Under her direction, the National Youth Choir proudly represented Antigua and Barbuda at several Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) celebrations, including CARIFESTA X in Guyana in 2008, CARIFESTA XI in Suriname in 2013, and CARIFESTA XIV in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019. Through these regional showcases, she ensured that the musical talent and cultural identity of Antigua and Barbuda were represented with distinction and professionalism on the international stage.

Dr. Smith’s influence extended well beyond choir directing. She was a passionate advocate for youth development and a respected figure in music academia, consistently sharing her expertise and knowledge both locally and internationally. Representing the Department of Culture, she participated in music and cultural engagements in Dominica, the United Kingdom, and Trinidad and Tobago, where her contributions were recognized and appreciated by colleagues and institutions alike.
Her pursuit of excellence and lifelong commitment to education culminated in the achievement of her Doctoral Degree, a testament to her perseverance, determination, and belief in continuous growth and learning. She remained an inspiration to many who saw in her the embodiment of hard work, humility, and dedication to service.
Dr. Renee Smith’s legacy will forever resonate through the voices she trained, the lives she touched, and the cultural foundations she helped strengthen. Her impact on Antigua and Barbuda’s musical landscape and youth development sector will continue to be felt for generations to come.

The Department of Culture extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, former students, colleagues, and all those whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering passion for the arts.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.

Department of Culture
Antigua and Barbuda

📸 - Smith’s Social media

07/05/2026

03/05/2026

Lēm Ūēl one of Antigua and Barbuda’s young creative.

Amazing work.

READ ARTICLE HERE: https://antigua.news/2026/05/03/watch-streaming-talent-antiguan-youth-impresses-speed-with-hand-drawn-portrait/

24/04/2026

to the 9th ABNSSTF last week

11/04/2026

08/04/2026

TICKET ALERT
Special Ticket packages are available for students.

Buy 3 or more Night Tickets and get them all for $10.00 Each!

Get them today from the Ministry of Creative Industries Headquarters or at the Box Office at Multi Purpose Cultural Centre at the night shows during the week of April 13th.

Don't let the 2026 Miss You!