JCDC Extends Deadline for National Festival of the Performing Arts Entries to January 30

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has announced an extension of the entry deadline for the 2026 National Festival of the Performing Arts to Friday, January 30 at 11:59 p.m.

The revised schedule also provides an additional two‑week window, up to February 13, for participants to upload their audition videos.

The extension comes in response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which severely affected schools, community groups, and cultural infrastructure across western Jamaica.

Acting Director of the JCDC’s Community Cultural Development Services Division, Andrea McCurdy, explained to JIS News that several participants and institutions were left without adequate facilities or sufficient time to prepare.

“It was felt that persons would need more time, especially given the fact that there are so many schools that have been impacted. So many persons have been negatively impacted, who would have been participants in the performing arts festival on an annual basis,” she said.

Mrs. McCurdy added that several schools “did not reopen until January”, leaving them without the opportunity to prepare or submit entries under the original deadline.

“They also wouldn’t have a space to prepare as they normally would. So the decision was taken, especially with that kind of feedback coming out of the west, that the playfield be levelled to allow for everyone to have a little more time to get themselves together,” she further noted.

To ensure fairness for all entrants, including those from parishes where performance spaces and audition venues were damaged, the JCDC will employ the virtual model previously used during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

“What we did during COVID, when we could not meet face to face, was have persons record their entries and upload them to the website that is provided, where they would have normally uploaded,” Mrs. McCurdy said.

She added that all entrants will be required to submit their recorded performances via the official portal at www.jcdc.awardsplatform.com.

Although workshops concluded early on January 14, JCDC subject specialists remain available to assist schools, community groups, and individuals.

“Our specialists for speech, drama, music, dance, and traditional folk forms remain available to [those] wanting to enter and [who] still need clarity and advice,” Mrs. McCurdy pointed out.

Acknowledging the emotional and psychological impact of Hurricane Melissa, the Acting Director encouraged affected students and communities to embrace the festival as a platform for expression and recovery.

“We want to reassure you that we are mindful of your experience, and we are still choosing to provide an outlet for you to experience a cathartic release,” she said.

“The beauty about the performing arts, [and] the arts in general, is they are an outlet for us to express ourselves, irrespective of the circumstances that we are experiencing and going through daily.

We want to encourage you to still tap into it, make use of the opportunity to the best of your ability,” Mrs. McCurdy added.

She also issued a heartfelt call for Jamaicans to attend the parish and national finals, once the dates and venues are announced.

“Come out and support the performers. Make some time to come out and support our students, support our schools, support the teachers, support our community groups, support the individuals who are trying to uplift this nation through the arts. Having someone in the audience cheering you on will make a world of a difference,” Mrs. McCurdy added.