WILLEMSTAD – Residents of Curaçao and the other Caribbean islands within the Kingdom have until October 1 to nominate candidates for the 2027 Cultuurfonds Onderscheiding, an award recognizing people who have made a long-term and largely voluntary contribution to culture, nature or heritage.
The Cultuurfonds Onderscheiding is the successor to the Zilveren Anjer, or Silver Carnation, which had been awarded annually since 1950. Each year, the Cultuurfonds selects between three and five recipients from the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Potential candidates may have dedicated themselves to areas such as museums, theater, music, cultural heritage, nature conservation or the preservation and transfer of cultural knowledge.
The award is particularly intended for people whose contribution is not primarily professional, but who have devoted significant time and effort over an extended period to their community or surroundings.
Anyone can nominate a candidate through the Cultuurfonds nomination process until October 1.
Following an initial assessment, the fund will request additional motivation and letters of recommendation for candidates who advance in the selection process. These supporting documents must be submitted by November 1.
The recipients of the 2027 award are expected to be announced in early February, with the official presentation scheduled to take place in the Netherlands in early June.
Curaçao has been represented among the recipients several times in recent years.
In 2026, Cenaida van Dinter received the distinction for her longstanding commitment to preserving and passing on Curaçaoan cultural traditions. Her work includes preserving the traditional art of tying headscarves, known as mara lensu.
The Cultuurfonds also recognized Van Dinter's involvement in cultural activities in Parera and her efforts to transfer cultural knowledge to younger generations.
In 2024, Curaçaoan anthropologist Rose Mary Allen received the distinction for her work and research involving Curaçao's cultural heritage and history.
Volunteers and cultural contributors from Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao have also received the distinction in previous years.
The nomination period gives Curaçao residents an opportunity to bring greater recognition to people whose work may often take place outside the public spotlight but has contributed for years to preserving the island's culture, heritage or natural environment.