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Royal Caribbean invites emerging artists to create works for Icon of the Seas

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Royal Caribbean International is searching for artists to bring the Caribbean spirit to life aboard Icon of the Seas.

In the new 'Artist Discovery Program,' up-and-coming artists from destinations the cruise line visits can vie to put their work on display for millions of vacationers who will sail in the years to come. The program's purpose is to infuse every region's spirit and culture into the curated art collections onboard.

Beginning in the Caribbean, local artists can send their submissions through April 4 here.

'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,' said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International.

Commissions for nine large-scale murals

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 neighborhood, at Icon's embarkation areas and within the Suite Neighborhood. Each piece should convey the vibrancy of the Caribbean, joining a collection that will include works created by Caribbean artists or inspired by the region.

Grants range from $20,000 to $100,000

Every artist will receive a grant, ranging from $20,000 to more than $100,000. Later this year, as artists in residence, the winners will work closely with Royal Caribbean's newbuilding team to bring their concepts to life at Meyer Turku, where Icon is under construction.

To vie for a spot in the first edition of Artist Discovery Program, artists must submit the following: Five samples of conceptual work which is original and not currently published or on display; a brief statement that helps explain their work, inspiration and other details regarding the pieces submitted; and their resume.

Icon of the Seas' itineraries

Icon of the Seas will sail year-round, seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from PortMiami. Every cruise will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and a mix of destinations such as Cozumel, St. Maarten and St. Kitts.

Future editions of the Artist Discovery Program will be announced later.