Royal Caribbean International is on the hunt for up-and-coming Caribbean artists to display their work on Icon of the Seas when it debuts next year.
The cruise line has launched the new “Artist Discovery Program” which is looking for Caribbean artists from destinations the cruise line travels to compete to display their artwork in its newest ship, Icon of the Seas.
Those selected for the “Artist Discovery Program: Caribbean Edition” will be commissioned to paint nine murals in three high traffic locations. These areas include the embarkation area, Pearl on the Royal Promenade and the Suite Sundeck.
According to Royal Caribbean International, the “Artist Discovery Program” aims “to infuse every region’s spirit and culture into the curated art collections on board ships, to highlight and celebrate the very destinations and their people at the heart of Royal Caribbean’s memorable vacations.”
Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley believes the program will satisfy the cruise line’s love of art and promote promising artists.
“The ‘Artist Discovery Program’ 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 got our start 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.”
Caribbean artists can submit their work through April 4 via the program’s website. Artists chosen will receive grants from $20,000 to more than $100,000 to complete their piece. They will also become artists in residence and will work closely with the Icon of the Seas Newbuilding team in Turku, Finland.