Royal Caribbean International has launched a new “Artist Discovery Programme”
Up-and-coming artists from destinations the cruise line visits will have the opportunity to put their work on display for millions of vacationers to see on Icon of the Seas.
The cruise line said the programme’s purpose is to “infuse every region’s spirit and culture into the curated art collections on board ships”.
Beginning in the Caribbean, local artists can send their submissions starting today and through April 4 here.
Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said:
“The Artist Discovery Programme is a project close to our hearts at Royal Caribbean International because the destinations we visit are family.
“And it’s only fitting that we begin our search for up-and-coming artists who are in the Caribbean; it’s where we started more than 50 years ago. Vacationers want to immerse themselves in the places they visit.
“This is a way to spotlight the beauty of the local cultures and people in the places they see and enjoy every day on their cruise, beginning with large-scale canvases on a first-of-its-kind adventure – Icon of the Seas.”
The first group of budding artists, making up the Artist Discovery Programme: Caribbean Edition, will be commissioned to paint nine large-scale murals in three highly visible locations:
- The Royal Promenade neighbourhood, the heartbeat of the new ship
- Among the first sights guests see at Icon’s main entrance
- Within the Suite Neighborhood.
The cruise line said each piece will invoke the vibrancy of the Caribbean, joining the collection on board that will include an array of works created by Caribbean artists or inspired by the region.
Every artist will receive a grant from the cruise line, ranging from $20,000 to more than $100,000, to see their vision through.
Later this year, as artists in residence, the winners will work closely with the Newbuilding team behind Royal Caribbean’s renowned ships to bring their concepts to life in Turku, Finland, where Icon is under construction.
To vie for a spot in the first edition of the Artist Discovery Programme, artists must submit the following:
- Five samples of conceptual work: The work must be original and may not currently be published or on display.
- A brief artist statement that helps explain their work, inspiration and other details regarding the pieces submitted.
- A copy of their resume.
Future editions of the Artist Discovery Programmep will be announced at a future date. Additional information on the programme can be found here.
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