THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – Artists and creators in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, including Curaçao, will now have direct access to funding from the Dutch Performing Arts Fund, following changes to a subsidy scheme that took effect on March 16, 2026.
The update introduces, for the first time, a dedicated section within the existing music hubs program specifically for the Caribbean region. This allows artists and organizations from Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, and other islands to independently apply for financial support aimed at talent development and performance opportunities.
A key change in the new regeling is that individual artists are now eligible to apply for funding, in addition to organizations. Applicants must be residents of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The program focuses on strengthening musical talent, supporting live performances, and providing both artistic and professional guidance.
Funding under the scheme is capped at €40,000 for organizations and €20,000 for individual applicants. Part of the available budget will be allocated per island, with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The introduction of this targeted funding mechanism marks a significant shift, as Caribbean artists were previously required to compete within broader Dutch funding programs, where access was often limited due to structural differences in scale and resources.
Officials say the new regeling is designed to better reflect the realities of the Caribbean music sector and to support its growth. It is also expected to strengthen the position of Caribbean artists within the Kingdom and create more opportunities for international exposure.