Central Bank Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition 2026 – PAUSE Registration

THE NATIONAL CULTURAL FOUNDATION

The Central Bank of Barbados

Crop Over Visual Arts Exhibition

DURING THE SEASON OF EMANCIPATION 2026

May 25th – August 29th, 2026

Theme: PUSH PAUSE REWIND

Canvassing 60 years of Independence

The theme PUSH. PAUSE. REWIND – Canvassing 60 Years of Independence has been conceived as a far-reaching and inclusive exploration of the diverse voices of artists engaging in a visual analysis of Barbados’ past, present, and future. As we commemorate 60 years of Independence, we also interrogate the reality of the “freedoms which we hold so dear”.

PAUSE is the second exhibition in the series. After exertion comes the need for rest. PAUSE represents the break, stillness, a moment of quiet, and, for our purposes, a space for intentional reflection. The catalyst for this silence is the artwork itself. Great works of art have the power to transport the viewer, connecting the soul with the divine intelligence.

PAUSE is also a point of introspection. It invites reflection on the 524 years since the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade. What innovations and creations were never attributed to their true creators because the enslaved, regarded as chattel, were denied their humanity?

This exhibition seeks to present work that is brilliant, which compels stillness and self-reflection. The pieces may also highlight aspects of society upon which the artist wishes the viewer to contemplate.
 

PAUSE

At The

Queen’s Park Gallery

Saturday June 27th – Saturday July 25th 2026

KEY DATES:

 
GENERAL:
The Artist is presenting their own original works for The Exhibition.

All pieces within the exhibitions shall remain the sole property of the Artist until sold and the Artist’s share is remitted by the National Cultural Foundation in full. 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.

The Artist and the National Cultural Foundation agree on a commission of Thirty percent (30%) on all sales generated by the Exhibition’s promotional effort. All payments will be made through the Accounts Department of the National Cultural Foundation.

The following responsibilities shall be borne by the NCF:

1. All basic display materials and furnishings.
2. Security and insurance to the stated artist price.
3. All labels and price lists
4. Publicity for the exhibition, where possible, via the newspapers, radio, television and social media.
5. The hosting of an Opening Reception.
6. Facilitation of catering for the Opening Reception.
7. Production and dissemination of invitations.
8. Exhibition assistants to facilitate the hanging and dismantling of exhibitions.
9. An Attendant for the hosting of visitors and the transaction of sales. (NB: The Exhibition Attendants must check off each listed piece with the artist on presentation of work to the Exhibition site.)
10. 10.A Curator to coordinate and supervise all activities pertaining to the exhibition.

The following responsibilities are to be borne by the Artist/Artists:

1. Provision of a list of exhibits with titles, media, size and sale price for insurance and promotional purposes.
2. Provision of background information on the exhibits for promotional purposes in day to day marketing as well as for the press and possible wall texts.
3. Work must be presented to the Gallery in a professional manner, ready for hanging or display.
4. Work for exhibit must be delivered to the Queen’s Park Gallery by the stipulated time. The NCF 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.
5. Each piece must be clearly identified on presentation to the Queen’s Park Gallery. The Exhibition Attendants must check off each listed piece with the artist on presentation of work to the Exhibition site.
6. Artists must collect unsold exhibits on the dates stated from the Queen’s Park Gallery or make arrangements to have it collected from the NCF within 3 working days.

FINANCIAL MATTERS:

Copyright and reproduction rights for all artwork remain exclusively with the Artist or the Artist’s estate.

At the termination of this agreement, all works not paid for in full shall be returned to the Artist as agreed. Where a client purchases a work on instalment and payment extends beyond the exhibition period, the commission due to the NCF must still be paid. Any subsequent transactions will be the responsibility of the Artist. The client must be informed of this arrangement prior to any deposit being made.

All works must remain on display for the duration of the exhibition unless otherwise authorized at the Curator’s discretion.

SUBMISSIONS:

Each Artist is allowed to submit a maximum of three (3) pieces for consideration by the selection committee.