With great pride, the Government of Bonaire, through SKAL (the Department of Culture, Arts and Literature), announces the nomination of Segni Bernardina for the National Culture Coach of the Year 2025 election. Segni is one of ten candidates selected in the first round for this prestigious competition organized by the LKCA (National Knowledge Center for Cultural Education and Amateur Arts) in the Netherlands.
The election highlights cultural coaches who, through their work, have a positive social and mental impact on their communities.
Segni Bernardina is one of the ten cultural coaches chosen from 115 nominations for the national pre-selection.
Segni dedicates herself daily to projects where culture, education, and community come together. Her work as a culture coach is guided by her personal motto:
“For the art of love and the love for art.”
“For the art of love and the love for art expresses my conviction that art is an act of dedication and a tool for transformation. Through art and culture, I aim to create spaces where people can connect with themselves, with others, and with their history. The results of my work should contribute to the growth of our community, the strengthening of our identity, and the use of creativity’s healing power for all of us. Art is love, and love is meant to be shared. Culture belongs to all of us — something we must experience and share together,”
says Segni Bernardina.
Her vision is clear:
“My vision is based on the art of love and the love for art. I believe creativity is a force that connects people and stimulates cultural development. Every project I lead is driven by the passion I feel in my heart for art and culture. Art is part of who we are — and we are culture.”
On November 20, a jury of experts will announce the shortlist of three finalists from the field of cultural work. On December 4, during the Inspiration Day for Neighborhood Sports and Culture Coaches in Apeldoorn, the final winner of the Culture Coach of the Year 2025 will be chosen.
With this nomination, Segni Bernardina demonstrates the powerful role of art as a tool for bringing people closer together — both within Bonaire and beyond the island’s borders.
For more information about the election, visit the LKCA website:
https://www.lkca.nl/artikel/verkiezing-cultuur-coach-van-het-jaar-2025/
Press release: Government of Bonaire
