Since 2021, the Biodiversity Conservation and Management Section (BCMS) has hosted an art exhibition based around the theme for International Day for Biodiversity (IDB). IDB is a product of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), of which Barbados has been a Party since 1992. IDB is celebrated on May 22nd yearly and the theme for 2026 is ‘Acting locally for global impact’. It links local actions to the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), using a "whole-of-society" approach. Individuals and organisations can participate by supporting sustainable consumption, raising awareness about biodiversity loss, and protecting local habitats.
History of the Art Exhibition
The art exhibition was done in an effort to find an activity to raise awareness about biodiversity issues through unconventional means. Considering the restrictions posed by the global pandemic at that time, the BCMS decided to embark on a month-long virtual art exhibition. On the other hand, it was a chance to highlight and support the work of our local visual artists, who use a variety of media such as painting, drawing, photography and fibre art to showcase their work, relative to the particular theme of the year. We enlist the assistance of Artists Alliance to curate the exhibition, headed by expert curator Ms. Oneka Small, who carefully selects the pieces to be displayed on the BCMS’ website.
Last year, it was determined that it might be worthwhile to have a gallery exhibition, in addition to the virtual exhibition. It was held at the Gallery of Caribbean Art and was well-received. There was a launch event, along with a few workshops, to increase traffic. This year it will be held at the gallery in Norman Centre, Bridgetown.
All types of visual art are welcome.
READ this agreement, complete the registration fields and click the SUBMIT button. By submitting you agree to the terms and conditions of participation.
KEY DATES:
Registration Closes: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Notification of Selection: Friday, May 15th 2026
Delivery of work to the gallery: Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Exhibition Launches: Friday, May 22nd, 2026, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Exhibition Closes: Saturday, June 27th 2026
GENERAL:
The Artist is presenting their own original works for The Exhibition.
All works shall remain the sole property of the Artist until sold and the Artist’s share is remitted by Artists Alliance Barbados. In the event of the Artist’s death, this agreement becomes null and void and all works revert to the Artist’s survivors on demand.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF ARTIST/OWNER:
COMPLETE Registration at: https://form.jotform.com/252874281197871
PROVIDING background information on the works for marketing and promotion.
TO INDEMNIFY Artists Alliance Barbados against all loss, damages, expense, and liability resulting from injury to works.
PRESENTING work to the Gallery in a professional condition, each piece clearly identified and ready for hanging or display.
DELIVERING work to the Gallery at the stipulated time. The Curator will not be held responsible for failure to deliver the work on time or any lapses in presentation of the work which create a delay.
COLLECTING work from the Gallery during the collection period or incur a transport and storage charge of $100.00 per day.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOST
Publicity for the exhibition.
Production and distribution of invitations by electronic means.
A Curator to coordinate and supervise all activities pertaining to the exhibition
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
The reproduction and copyright of any artwork remain exclusively with the Artist/Artists or the Artist’s estate. The Exhibition is permitted to use images of the works in public relations, advertising and education whether online or in print in reference to the show. The Exhibition may be recorded in stills, film and video that does not infringe the copyright or moral rights of the Artist. Visitors may be permitted to take photographs for educational and personal use using mobile phones or hand-held cameras.
WALL PRICE:
Artists will submit the Artist Price for each work. Artists Alliance Barbados reserves the right to increase or decrease the markup on any work that does not change the remuneration due to the Artist. All works sold during the exhibition are subject to a markup of 30%.
DELIVERY OF WORK TO GALLERY:
Delivery of work shall be on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Artists are responsible for delivering their work to the gallery along with two printed copies of the inventory form. The Gallery Attendants must check off each listed piece with the artist on the presentation of work to the Gallery.
INSURANCE:
The Artist understands that there is no insurance coverage for the works and participates at their own risk. The Artist agrees to indemnify and hold Artists Alliance Barbados harmless from any type of personal injury or property damage claim, now or in the future, that the Artist may suffer as a result of the “exhibition”.
REMOVAL OF WORK FROM GALLERY:
Artists must remove the artwork from the gallery on Monday, June 29th, between 10 am and 1 pm WITHOUT EXCEPTION. The curator will charge the artist a transport and storage fee of $100.00 per day or any part thereof if this condition is not complied with.