Five talented young participants from the Gang di Arte project of ACE Foundation Bonaire gave a powerful presentation at the prestigious Young Creators Festival, the grand finale of the well-known art competition Kunstbende Netherlands.
From June 25 to 29, K’Jar Martines, Romy Ridderbeks, Valeria Lara, Zaymari Rojas, and Davenley Lauffer experienced a journey that transformed their view of art and culture. Amsterdam was the stage where they showcased their talents at the renowned cultural venue Melkweg.
Their participation is the result of years of collaboration between ACE Foundation and Kunstbende Netherlands, a relationship that began during the Kingdom Games Culture in 2009. Despite having only three weeks of preparation, ACE Foundation managed to bring the youth to the Netherlands, thanks to a great effort, accompanied by artistic leader Xechell Jacobs and ACE Foundation director Marlies Vels.
The youth presented a show where they brought forward a variety of talents, including dance, singing, and poetry. The performance was titled “E kabuya invisibel” (“The Invisible Thread”). The theme of the performance emphasized that, while each young person faces different life situations and challenges, there is an invisible thread that connects them. By discovering this thread, they are able to connect and support one another.
For most of the participants, this was their first trip to the Netherlands. In addition to performing at the Melkweg, they visited the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK), where they learned about higher-level arts education and discussed concrete possibilities for future collaboration with Bonaire.
Another inspiring moment was the visit to the Bijlmer Park Theater, where the youth met with professionals from the creative industry, including the well-known actor Anton de Bies, an artist from Curaçao who graduated from the prestigious Toneelacademie Maastricht. These personal encounters with professionals of Caribbean heritage were highly motivating and showed that a career in the arts is within their reach.
A special part of the trip was the collaboration with young people from Curaçao and the Netherlands. This intercultural exchange not only strengthened the feeling of connection between the islands and the Netherlands, but also offered new perspectives on culture and talent. The trip highlights the great value of international exchange for young talent and reinforces the importance of structural cooperation within the cultural sector.
This successful experience lays the foundation for future collaborations and exchanges. The youth returned to Bonaire with new knowledge, experiences, inspiration, and an expanded network. ACE Foundation is proud to have invested in the future of our young people and in the cultural development of Bonaire as a whole.
