WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (OWCS) has launched a new edition of Mi Talento Pa Mi Pais – Youth Voices 2026, offering young people in Curaçao the opportunity to develop their talent and make their voices heard during one of the most important moments of the year.
For this edition, the program has been deliberately redesigned. While previous editions of Mi Talento Pa Mi Pais focused on competitions across various art forms and age groups, Youth Voices 2026 adopts a more focused approach. It is structured as a talent development program, specifically targeting young people between the ages of 12 and 25, with singing as the primary form of expression.
This shift is part of a broader vision to gradually expand the initiative. By starting with a focused pilot, the program aims to emphasize depth and quality. Future editions may include other art forms such as dance and spoken word poetry, as well as broader age groups, allowing the platform to evolve into a more inclusive and diverse space for talent in Curaçao.
At the core of Youth Voices is not only talent, but also meaning. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with Curaçao—what the island represents to them, and how they connect with their language, culture, and identity. These personal reflections form the foundation of the creative journey.
“Youth Voices 2026 is a program where young people not only develop their talent but are also guided in shaping their own voice. For us, ‘voices’ is not just about singing, but about what young people feel and think about Curaçao—their island, their language, and their identity. We provide the tools and the platform to turn this into creative artistic expressions that can be seen and heard,” said Tamara Nivillac, project leader of the program.
Young people can register through the website mitalentocw.com. Auditions will take place in early May, after which a selected group of participants will begin the Talent Lab.
The Talent Lab forms the core of the program and will run for two months, from May through early July. During this period, participants will work closely with coaches, artists, and creative professionals. They will develop their vocal skills, learn to collaborate, and be guided in writing and producing a collective musical performance.
The program will conclude with a live performance at Brionplein on July 2, 2026, during the celebration of Flag Day. On this day, which highlights Curaçao’s identity and pride, young people will have the opportunity to share their perspectives with a wide audience.
With Youth Voices, the Ministry of OWCS is investing not only in talent, but also in the development of a new generation that is aware of its voice and its role within society.