Sarah Bretz, ContributorRoyal Caribbean has announced its selections for the next iteration of its Artist Discovery Program. As part of the program, the selected artists will put their work on display aboard the line’s second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas.
Representing countries across the Caribbean, artists from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti were selected during the second round of the program. Each artist will receive a grant amount between $20,000 and $100,000 to conceptualize and create a custom, large-scale mural that represents the local culture, experience, and spirit of their home country.
The artwork will be displayed across four highly-visible locations aboard the ship: the Royal Promenade neighborhood, the embarkation area, the Suite Sun Deck lobby, and the Suite Sun Deck.
“We are excited about the overwhelming positive response we received from the next edition of the Artist Discovery Program,” said Jay Schneider, chief product innovation officer, Royal Caribbean. “Collaborating with the places we visit is at the heart of what we do and who we are at Royal Caribbean. Whether its hosting guest roundtables or hiring locals from our destinations around the world, it’s important to us to collaborate and connect with the communities we operate in. This year’s selection is special, and we’re thrilled about the vibrant, beautiful and cultural murals that’ll be on Star of the Seas for years to come.”
Over several months, Royal Caribbean reviewed nearly 180 applications from across 28 Caribbean countries. Candidates were required to submit unpublished conceptual artwork, a professional resume, and a personal statement expressing how their artistic passions, life experiences, cultures, and future aspirations inspire their artwork.
The Artist Discovery Program aims to spotlight up-and-coming local artists in the Caribbean by providing a platform for them to showcase their artwork and increase visibility while celebrating the places and people that make Royal Caribbean cruises the vacations of a lifetime. The program was first introduced on Icon of the Seas and has since been a well-received and highly anticipated initiative both on board and at Royal Caribbean’s exclusive destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, set to open this December in The Bahamas.
About the Artists
Nestor Omar Garcia “Angurria” from the Dominican Republic
From the moment guests step aboard Star of the Seas, Garcia’s mural will light up the embarkation area, leaving guests with the ultimate first impression. Garcia’s art represents a fusion of his Dominican roots, bold color choices, and tales of his region to create energetic and relatable pieces.
Anthony Smith o/c Taoszen from Jamaica
Smith’s mural will be at the heartbeat of Star of the Seas’ Royal Promenade neighborhood. Through his art, Smith strives to connect communities, promote understanding and positive change. His previous works combine striking imagery, nature and vibrant colors to showcase the world’s complex themes in nuanced ways.
Saegel Bascombe from Trinidad and Tobago
Located in the luxurious escape of the Suite Sun Deck lobby, Bascombe’s art will further illuminate the vibes of this private oasis. Ignited by a beautiful fusion of eclectic colors and patterns, Bascombe’s artistry celebrates themes from her homeland, while personifying the colors in the pieces.
Philippe Dodard from Haiti
Returning to showcase his unique work across the Icon-class, Dodard will create a mosaic piece that evokes his home island’s rich history on the Suite Sun Deck on Star.
Star of the Seas is set to debut this August in Port Canaveral, Florida. It will operate alternating seven-night voyages to the eastern and western Caribbean.
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