Barbadian Creativity on Show at the Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition

Justin Downey and Aniya Stephens were big winners at the Central Bank of Barbados Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition, which was officially opened during a ceremony at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle on Saturday, June 30.

Downey captured the Central Bank Governor’s Award with his piece entitled “Progressive, Regressive”, while Aniya Stephens walked away with the Central Bank Award of Excellence for her piece, “Anecdote.” Their works will join those of past awardees, whose works “inspire and motivate not only our employees, but also visitors to our tenth floor, where the majority of our national collection is on display,” revealed Michael Carrington, Deputy Governor (Ag.) at the Bank during his opening remarks.

Carrington praised the exhibitors, saying that he was “impressed with the depth and skills of emerging Barbadian artists who dare explore and define the Barbadian culture and aesthetics, in a fresh, youthful, and energetic manner,” and commending veteran artists for sharing their knowledge and talents, noting that the creative sector has a role to play in Barbados’ economic activity and diversity.   

During the ceremony, Minister of the Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, the Honourable John King, lauded the Bank for the support it has given to the exhibition over the past 24 years and encouraged it to continue its support for many more years to come.

The 2018 Central Bank of Barbados Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition features the works of more than 160 artists and runs in the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle and the Queen’s Park Gallery from June 30 to August 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.