Royal Caribbean International has launched a search for iconic artistry to bring the Caribbean spirit to life on the iconic canvas that is the world’s best family vacation, Icon of the Seas.

In the new artist discovery programme, up-and-coming artists from destinations the cruise line visits can vie to put their work on display for millions of vacationers who will set sail for years to come.

The programme’s purpose is to infuse every region’s spirit and culture into the curated art collections on board ships, in order to highlight and celebrate the very destinations and their people at the heart of Royal Caribbean’s memorable vacations.

Beginning in the Caribbean, local artists have up until April 4 to send their submissions.

“The Artist Discovery Programme is a project close to our hearts at Royal Caribbean International because the destinations we visit are family. 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,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

“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 Program: 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; and within the Suite Neighbourhood.

Each piece will invoke the vibrancy of the Caribbean, joining the collection on board that will include an array of pieces 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.

What you will need to apply

To vie for a spot in the first edition of Artist Discovery Program, 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.

Icon is the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation. From the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure, the brand-new getaway delivers every kind of family and vacationers their version of the ultimate family adventure. 

In store is an all-encompassing lineup of firsts and next-level favorites across eight neighbourhoods. Between the adrenaline-pumping thrills at the new Thrill Island neighborhood and unrivaled ways to chill at neighborhoods like the new Chill Island and the luxurious four-level Suite Neigbourhood, adventurers bonding with their families or getting away with friends will have all the ways to stay and play their way.

Future editions of the Artist Discovery Program will be announced at a future date. Additional information on the program can be found here.