Friday, January 30 has been set as the new final date for entries for the 2026 cycle of the National Festival of the Performing Arts, organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC).

The two-week extension to the original deadline was approved following consultations with stakeholders across the island.

Particular consideration was given to feedback from the parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny, which were most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

“So many of the persons who have supported the Festival movement over the years have been affected by Hurricane Melissa and are still not fully back to normal. It was only fair that we give them additional time to get themselves and their entries organised. As a result, the decision was taken to move the closing date for entries from January 15 to the new date of January 30,” said Minister of Culture Olivia Grange.

The minister further emphasised that all parish auditions for the 2026 cycle will be conducted virtually.

“A number of the venues that we normally use for auditions and parish finals have been damaged or destroyed by the hurricane. We have therefore had to return to the virtual audition modality that was successfully utilised during the COVID-19 years. To facilitate this process, each entry must be accompanied by a video performance, which will be viewed by adjudicators to determine the performances that will advance to the parish finals,” Minister Grange explained.

She continued: “Persons are encouraged to submit their entries by January 30, even if their videos are still being prepared. Entrants will have until Friday, February 13, 2026 to upload their videos to accompany their submissions.”

JCDC Executive Director Lenford Salmon reassured participants that the move to online auditions does not reduce the time traditionally given to prepare performances.

“We want to reassure participants that while the entry deadline is January 30, they are not required to have their performance fully prepared by that date. Once entries are submitted, participants will have an additional two weeks until February 13 to record and upload their audition video. The only difference this year is that auditions are being done online, but the preparation time remains exactly the same as when auditions were held in person.”

“Those who may have already uploaded their videos but wish to redo them to ensure a higher-quality presentation will be afforded that opportunity on the platform. This is to ensure that everyone is able to put their best foot forward,” he added.

Entries must be submitted via the JCDC’s online portal at www.jcdc.awardsplatform.com.

The National Festival of the Performing Arts Competition, the island’s most enduring and comprehensive platform for the development of Jamaican talent, features dance and deaf dance, drama and theatre arts, traditional folk forms, music, and speech.