More Than 10,000 Entries Registered on JCDC’s Online Platform

More than 10,000 entries for this year’s National Festival of the Performing Arts 2025 have been registered on the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) new online Awards Force platform.

In January 2024, the JCDC introduced the Awards Force, a competition platform that not only allows for entries but also adjudication, feedback to entrants and galleries to showcase visual entries.

Entrants were required to submit their entries electronically using the online application platform, which allows for a more streamlined process and manages entries in the areas of speech, music, dance, drama, traditional folk forms and deaf dance.

Director of Arts, Development and Training, JCDC, Andrew Brodber, told JIS News that the JCDC Awards Force will enable a seamless automated process from the submission of entries to the adjudication process.

Mr. Brodber said that the Commission will be able to analyse performances more effectively and at a faster pace, “allowing us to provide more targeted support for participants”.

He said that participants at various locations across the island will be seen by a panel of adjudicators using electronic devices.

“So, for the first time, adjudicators will mark performances using laptops or tablets replacing traditional paper forms. This programme will capture more accurate information and streamline the process of the work that we are doing,” he explained, adding that parents of children, and performers will be able to access results in record time.

The Director said that auditions, involving some 30,000 performers, have begun in Trelawny and will continue until February 27, in St Ann.

Following the auditions, he said that the parish finals will take place. However, he noted that participants will be required to score a minimum of 65 points to advance to the parish finals.

Performers will be awarded Merit, Silver, Bronze and Gold Medals based on their scores, while the Gold medallists will be invited to compete in the National Finals.

“We have been doing this for over 50 years, so we are very proud of the tradition that exists. A number of careers have started because we continue to do this, unearthing and giving credence to the artistic work of our people,” he said.

Persons who are interested in attending the auditions can visit the JCDC’s website at www.jcdc.gov.jm to see the audition schedule.