ACE Foundation selects five youth to participate in cultural event in Amsterdam
For the first time in seven years, Bonaire will once again be represented at the Young Creators Festival in the Netherlands. The ACE Foundation has selected and prepared five talented young individuals to represent Bonaire at this leading cultural event for creative youth. The group will travel on June 24 and return on June 29.
The selected youth are:
* Zaymari Rojas – Dance
* Davenley Lauffer – Dance
* Valeria Lara – Vocalist
* Romy Ridderbeks – Vocalist
* K’Jar Martines – DJ/MC
They were selected based on their commitment and loyalty to ACE Foundation’s talent development program, which supports youth aged 12 to 18. Over the past year, they participated in various workshops and performed both in Bonaire and Aruba. Now they are ready to take the stage internationally at De Melkweg in Amsterdam.
De Melkweg is a renowned cultural venue in the heart of Amsterdam, known for launching emerging talent in music, theater, and visual arts. On June 28, the Bonaire group will perform a 15-minute show blending dance, vocals, and DJ skills into one energetic performance.
In addition to their performance, the participants will attend various creative workshops and visit art academies to explore how a hobby can evolve into a professional career. This cultural trip is made possible thanks to the support of the Oranjefonds/Samenwerkende Fondsen, Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, and Stichting Kunstbende Nederland, who are excited to welcome Bonaire back into the program and explore future collaborations.
Marlies Vels, Director of ACE Foundation, says:
“We are incredibly proud of these young people. Their dedication and growth are inspiring. It’s important for youth to see that creativity can lead to real opportunities.”
ACE Foundation wishes the Gang di Arte youth all the best on their cultural journey in the Netherlands.