Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has made some changes to the modality to be used for the 2026 National Festival of the Performing Arts Competition.

This decision was made necessary by the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The major changes will see an adjusted deadline for entries to be submitted — now January 15, 2026 — and a pivot to virtual pre-competition workshops and virtual parish auditions.

These changes will ensure that students, schools, and community groups, especially in the hardest-hit parishes, are still able to participate.

The Category 5 hurricane severely affected St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny, causing widespread damage to venues and disrupting electricity and telecommunications services. These challenges have made traditional face-to-face parish auditions impossible for the upcoming season, prompting the need for a revised approach.

Minister of Culture Olivia Grange said ensuring participation from affected communities remains central to the JCDC’s plans.

“We are fully aware of the conditions in the field, and after much deliberation, we determined that these setbacks required significant adjustments to the season,” she said. “In addition, entrants will also be required to submit a performance video of the item being entered. These videos should be uploaded to the JCDC’s online portal www.jcdc.awardsplatform.com. The videos will be used for the virtual staging of the parish auditions,” Minister Grange added.

Executive director of JCDC Lenford Salmon, outlined that although the entry deadline is January 15, participants will have an additional week to upload their performance videos to the online platform.

“If performers are experiencing difficulties, they are encouraged to contact or visit the JCDC office in their parish for assistance. We are here to assist them and to ensure a smooth process,” he said.

Once uploaded, a panel of adjudicators will review the videos and selected pieces will advance to the parish finals scheduled for March 2026. The format for parish finals is still under review.

Minister Grange also pointed out that the decision to proceed with the Festival reflects the important role of the Arts in national recovery.

“In times of national hardship, the arts have always provided Jamaicans with a source of comfort, expression, and healing. Many families are still trying to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, and we believe creative engagement can play a cathartic role in helping our children and communities cope,” she said.

The National Festival of the Performing Arts Competition fosters the development of the performing arts across dance and deaf dance, drama and theatre arts, traditional folk forms, music and speech.