Introduction

On April 2, 2025, Mr. Ben Rasmussen, son of Belva Rasmussen Henriquez, will establish the Belva Rasmussen Henriquez FoN under the management of the Caribbean Cultural Fund. With this initiative, he honors the memory of his mother, a passionate lover of culture who always cherished the desire to contribute to Aruba. As a banker, Ben Rasmussen was raised with the deep understanding that one must give something back to the community – a value he has firmly embedded in the policy of his organization. Now, he aims to bring that same “giving back” mentality to Aruba, with culture as the central theme. In doing so, he not only fulfills his mother’s wish, but also contributes to strengthening the bond between his own children and the island that has always felt like a warm home to him.

The Belva Rasmussen Henriquez FoN

Start Date of Belva Rasmussen Henriquez FoN = May 6th, 2025

Objective

The Belva Rasmussen Henriquez FoN aims to provide a boost to Exceptional Emerging Contemporary Artists (Talent) in Aruba. Every year, the fund presents the Belva-Award –  a stimulation prize of XCG 10,000 to a promising contemporary artist who is from and resides in Aruba.

Application

Candidates can apply annually between July 1 – September 1 through the digital portal of the CCG.

How to Apply

 

Requirements

  • The candidate is an emerging artist actively working in Aruba
  • The candidate must submit a portfolio that reflects their work and artistic vision, with at least 2 recent works.
  • The candidate must submit a biography.

Evaluation

All submissions will be evaluated by an independent selection committee, which includes experts in the fields of art and culture. The committee will select the winner based on:

  • Originality
  • Impact
  • Future potential

 

Awarding the Belva-Award

The Belva-Award of XCG 10,000 will be awarded to the selected artist, who can use the prize for the development of an artistic project or further professional growth. Motivate the impact of financial prize with a brief expenditure.

How many times can you win a Belva-Award

A candidate is eligible for a Belva Award only once every 5 years.

Belva-Award Ceremony
The award ceremony will take place annually on October 21, the birthday of Mrs. Belva Rasmussen Henriquez.