As Saint Lucia observes World Art Day today, two entities promoting the island’s quest for Reparations from Britain announce the launch of a national art competition, to help sensitize the general public through creative expression.
The announcement by the National Reparations Committee (NRC) and the local chapter of The Repair Campaign (TRC) today (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) coincides with worldwide observances of World Art Day, as promoted by UNESCO among United Nations (UN) member-states.
Celebrated annually on April 15th (the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci), this day aims to foster, reinforce and enjoy art and artistic expression globally.
The theme for World Art Day 2026 focuses on using art to nurture community connections, growth and identity and it is: ‘A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art’.
This theme highlights the role of art in bringing people together, strengthening community bonds and promoting cultural exchange.
World Art Day ay is usually marked by exhibitions, workshops and artistic creations that focus on creativity, growth and expression and the theme is used by organizations and schools to inspire creative projects, such as student art submissions and community art exhibitions.
Responding to the call to engage in activities that encourage and promote art among citizens and in communities through national schools’ art competitions, the NRC and TRC organizers are launching this three-phase competition for schools and the general public.
The 2026 competition aims to use artistic expression as a vehicle for public education, national reflection and civic engagement around Reparatory Justice, Emancipation, Caribbean History and the CARICOM Reparations agenda.
Submissions will be invited from students enrolled at primary and secondary schools and members of the wider public, including youth not attending school, tertiary students, artists and community members.
Primary and Secondary students will be asked to render artistic impressions of their answers to the question: ‘What does reparatory justice look like for Saint Lucia, the Caribbean and the descendants of victims of the transatlantic slave trade?’
The general public will be invited to submit on another relevant theme: ‘Reparations, Resistance and Renewal’.
Submissions will be chosen from five themes:
1. Reparations and Justice
2. Emancipation and Freedom
3. The CARICOM Ten-point Plan
4. Memory, Resistance and Survival
5. Imagining a Repaired Future.
All submissions must be original and created by the entrant, be available for public display and educational use – and must not infringe on any copyrighted material.
The artistic contest will seek to:
1. Increase awareness and understanding of reparatory justice among students and the wider public
2. Encourage artistic engagement with the CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice
3. Commemorate World Art Day through meaningful national cultural participation
4. Support Emancipation Month observances through creative public education
5. Provide a platform for children, youth, and adults to interpret themes of justice, repair, dignity, resistance and healing
6. Promote dialogue on the historical and ongoing impact of slavery, colonialism and racial injustice
7. Showcase the role of art in advancing social consciousness, cultural pride and community transformation
The national art competition, to be launched in May, is being organized under the rubric of the overall theme ‘Art for Reparatory Justice Through Reparations, Resistance and Renewal’ and is being held in commemoration of World Art Day and Emancipation Month.
The submission period will be from May until July 31 and judging and prize-giving will take place during this year’s Emancipation Month activities, ending on August 31, International Day for People of African Descent (IDPAD).