Since 2024, literary creators and cultural organizations in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom can apply for funding for their literary initiatives at the Dutch Foundation for Literature, through the Caribe Literature Scheme. The grants awarded in the first funding round of 2026 have now been announced. In total, twelve literary projects on Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Sint Maarten will receive support. Recipients include writer Olga Buckley and the organizations De Cultuur Kameleon Foundation, Biblioteka Públiko Boneiru and Epic Center Foundation. A total of € 347,063 has been awarded.

Aruban author and translator Olga Buckley receives funding for an anthology of her poems and a three-part book series for young readers. The series focuses on the theme of divorce, explored from the perspectives of three different age groups.

Olga Buckley: "I believe it is incredibly important that children, who are often part of such a turbulent and emotional event as a divorce but usually have little say in it, have a place where they can find recognition and validation for the emotions, questions and experiences they may have. If, under certain circumstances, they cannot always find that support from an adult, hopefully a novel can help guide them through the process."

On Bonaire, Biblioteka Públiko Boneiru will use the funding to launch a reading promotion project centred around the picture book Zachter dan zout by author Nancy Bosmans.

Jakeema Hernandez, Youth & Education Project Coordinator: "With Zachter dan Zout, we bring together literature, language, heritage and art for young children on Bonaire. By translating Nancy Bosmans’ picture book into Papiamentu and distributing copies among primary school pupils, children gain access to a story that reflects their own language, environment and history. Through the book launch, exhibition, excursion to the salt flats and accompanying performance, we turn reading into a broad, sensory experience. This grant is essential for making this local translation, production and educational programme possible, thereby contributing to more inclusive reading promotion, cultural recognition and a stronger position for Papiamentu-language children's literature in the Caribbean region."

Another project supported through the Caribe Literature Scheme is The Journey of the Troupial by author and illustrator Kati Qui, a new multilingual picture book for children aged four to six, developed in Curaçao by De Cultuur Kameleon Foundation.

The story follows a curious troupial bird that sets off on a journey from the centuries-old synagogue in Willemstad, collecting stories, objects and experiences along the way. The book will be published in Papiamentu, Dutch and English, and will be accompanied by a puppet theatre performance and educational activities for young children. The project is linked to the Curaçao Jewish Museum.

Yvonne Willemsen, educational specialist and curriculum developer: “It’s wonderful to introduce even young children to heritage sites such as the centuries-old synagogue in Willemstad. By turning it into an imaginative story, that history comes to life for them.”

Epic Center Foundation has received funding for the translation and publication of the children's novel Steve Takes a Stand by author Ralph Cantave in both Papiamentu and Dutch, including a book tour.

Set in the 1960s, this historical children's novel explores themes such as bullying, self-confidence and intergenerational dialogue. With support from the fund, the novel will be translated into Papiamentu and Dutch and followed by a book tour across Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.In addition, the foundation has been awarded funding for reading and writing workshops, including certification, for primary school pupils on St. Maarten.

Ralph Cantave, author and project coordinator: "St. Maarten has a story worth telling, and every child in the Dutch Kingdom deserves to see themselves and learn about how we relate though different in the books they read. With the support of the Dutch Foundation for Literature, we can bring that story to life in Papiamentu and Dutch. The support also contributes to a safe and engaging learning space by giving the children who need it most an opportunity to find their voice through reading and writing."

Literary creators and cultural organizations from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom can apply for funding for their literary projects. The aim of the scheme is to ensure that original stories, poems and literary performances from and on the islands are widely read and heard. In particular, the fund seeks to expand the availability of literature in Papiamentu and Papiamento.

The scheme will reopen on 7 September 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Caribbean time and will remain open until the available budget has been reached.

A total of twelve projects are being supported in this funding round. The full list of grant recipients can be found on our website.