Photo compliments Nifca Barbados
We’ll forgive you if you don’t know this, but Barbados celebrates independence on November 30! And, in this our 52nd year of independence, we want you to get ready to experience our culture through the arts all month long!
Every November for the last 45 years, the annual National Independence Festival of Creative Arts – simply known as NIFCA – has been held at various venues across the island as an ode to the island’s performing, visual, culinary and literary arts.
It is a cultural treat that showcases the island’s best school and community groups, church organizations and even individuals with a gift for beautifully marrying art and culture. But, it’s not just for fun. Besides cultural reverence, competition is the other pillar of the festival, and the national acknowledgement associated with copping gold, silver or bronze awards within the varying categories is a dream achievement of all Barbadians.
Photo compliments Nifca Barbados
This year’s festival will feature performing arts in the form or dance and theatre arts, as well as music – all of which will culminate in their respective finals events to crown the 2018 winners! The most highly-anticipated element of the festival remains the visual arts and photography exhibition, which launches on November 15 along with the literary arts gala. And finally, the newest addition to the festival programme is the film and video element, which culminates with a judges’ screening to decide the overall winner. Be sure to check out the NIFCA 2018 calendar!
Still Fathoms, Barbados
If you won’t be joining us for independence this year, as a prelude to NIFCA 2019, we have many gorgeous holiday homes with spectacular local pieces of art for you to enjoy. A lovely example is the beautiful villa Still Fathoms, whose cheery yellow exterior fits perfectly with the artsy, ‘islandy’ ambiance found within. Some of our favourite statement pieces throughout the house include lovely underwater depictions, a unique flying fish piece positioned prominently in the kitchen, and, get ready for the piece de resistance – a vibrant, stunning accent wall mural in the semi open-air dining area!
Crystal Springs, Barbados
Another home fit for a NIFCA entry is Crystal Springs, which features several stunning elements skillfully crafted by local artisans. Guests to the home are welcomed by the intricate wrought iron in the foyer, and are then treated to several pieces of art throughout the home that show scenes such as picnics on the beach, traditional fishing boats, hawkers at the market and a small running visual showing green monkeys in a mango tree in one of the cozy bedrooms. There is also a collection of sailors valentine pieces in the master bedroom – an art form which has been globally known since the 1800s but is very much indigenous to the island! There is also an elegantly designed ceiling stencil forming a chic canopy over the grand dining room!
Sailors Valentines at Crystal Springs, Barbados
