On Friday 24 July 2026, the first phase of the Antigua and Barbuda–Jersey Art Exchange concluded with the official unveiling of a collaborative public mural at Elizabeth Marina in Jersey, marking the successful completion of an initiative that brought together young artists from both islands to celebrate culture, creativity and friendship through the visual arts.
Representing Antigua and Barbuda were Joyce Murray-Watkins, Trinity Hughes and Tse Pigott, students of the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS), who worked alongside artists from Jersey under the guidance of Mark Brown, Head of the Department of Fine Arts and Creative Studies at ABCAS.
Inspired by the theme “Safe Haven Across the Sea”, the mural reflects the shared histories, identities and cultures of Antigua and Barbuda and Jersey through imagery depicting iconic landmarks, native flora, cultural traditions and the sea that connects both island communities.
The exchange forms part of the growing partnership between Antigua and Barbuda and Jersey, which has expanded in recent years through cooperation in education, leadership development, hospitality, sport, music and the creative industries. Later this year, the collaboration will continue when artists from Jersey travel to Antigua and Barbuda to create a second public mural ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026. Participating in the Antigua and Barbuda phase will be Jersey painter Max Corbett, artist and illustrator Aimée Cast, and filmmaker Toby Norman, who will document the creative process. They will work alongside artists from Antigua and Barbuda under the guidance of curator and project facilitator Jacqueline Rutter and Antiguan artist and art and design lecturer at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, Mark Brown, who jointly developed the creative brief for the exchange.
Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Kingdom, welcomed the successful completion of the first phase of the project.
“The unveiling of this mural is a wonderful celebration of what can be achieved when young people are brought together through creativity and cultural exchange. Beyond the artwork itself, this project has fostered friendships, encouraged mutual understanding and further strengthened the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Jersey. I join with the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Task Force, the Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, and Dr. E. Jonah Greene, President of ABCAS, and all our donors, in expressing how immensely proud we are of Joyce, Trinity and Tse for representing our nation with such talent, professionalism and enthusiasm.”
Reflecting on the experience, Mark Brown said: “This exchange has been a truly transformative experience for our students, providing them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, collaborate with fellow artists and see firsthand how art can build bridges between communities. The collaborative mural, created by artists from Antigua and Jersey, reflects the shared histories and identities of Jersey and Antigua and Barbuda, bringing together iconic landmarks, native flora, cultural traditions and the sea that connects our islands. Every element was carefully chosen to celebrate the resilience, creativity and unique character of each place while highlighting our shared humanity.”
Tse Pigott described the exchange as an opportunity that broadened both her artistic and personal perspective: “This exchange has given me an opportunity to see a new part of the world and experience different styles of art and culture. Being exposed to the island of Jersey, and especially the people, enabled me to broaden my own perspective. The biggest inspiration for this project came from our fellow artists’ stories and their collaborative effort to learn about Antigua and Barbuda.”
Trinity Hughes said the experience reinforced the importance of collaboration while deepening her appreciation for her own culture: “Being part of the team of artists who painted this mural was an incredible experience. It gave us the opportunity to exchange cultures and learn more about Jersey’s history and iconic landmarks, such as the cows, the castle and the lighthouse, which were incorporated into the mural. Working alongside artists with different styles taught me the value of collaboration, and the experience also made me appreciate my own culture even more.”
Joyce Murray-Watkins said the exchange had been both inspiring and rewarding: “The trip was an amazing experience and opportunity that I was delighted to be a part of. The Jersey community was very welcoming and hospitable. As an artist, this trip allowed me to bloom and create away from home, and I am highly appreciative. I would again like to thank the organisers for this terrific opportunity.”
This project was made possible through the generous support of ArtHouse Jersey, the Government of Jersey, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies, the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission in London, Ambassador Sami Al-Mufleh, Ann Chapman-Daniel and Shiri Daniel of the Galleon Foundation, Alison Morgan and the JCG Foundation, the host families, and all other partners and sponsors who contributed to the success of the exchange.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda–Jersey Art Exchange Culminates in Official Unveiling of Collaborative Mural.