WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (ESKD) will launch a free training series for cultural organizations in Curaçao starting April 23. The initiative, led by the newly established National Institute for Culture (INdiKU), aims to build capacity within the island’s cultural sector and promote the sustainable development of its rich heritage. 

Headquartered at Gomezplein in the heart of Willemstad, INdiKU was created to protect, promote, and strengthen Curaçao’s cultural heritage. As part of its mission, the institute is launching an intensive development program that will run until June 19, 2025. The program is designed to enhance the organizational and administrative skills of institutions that actively contribute to the island’s cultural landscape. 

The initiative is intended to lay a strong foundation for INdiKU as a long-term support system for the cultural sector. Over the course of the program, participants will explore topics such as fundraising and grant writing, project budgeting, leadership, marketing fundamentals, social media strategies, cultural economics, and intercultural communication. 

The training sessions will be led by a mix of local and international experts, and are considered a key component in formally establishing INdiKU as a central pillar for strengthening Curaçao’s cultural infrastructure. 

The first session will take place on Tuesday, April 23, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Bon Bini Business Center. The focus will be on the Culture Fund Caribbean Region, with local cultural funding expert Melanie Sloot presenting available grant opportunities and eligibility requirements for cultural projects. 

The ministry views this course series as an essential step in empowering Curaçao’s cultural institutions and ensuring the island’s heritage is preserved and celebrated for future generations.