Literary entries surge as NIFCA participation grows

Adult literary arts entries for NIFCA 2026 have risen by nearly 60 per cent, leading increases across several disciplines as more Barbadians enter the annual competition, the National Cultural Foundation said Tuesday.

“Bajans are writing,” said Literary Arts Officer Karra Price as adult entries rose from 195 in 2025 to 311 this year. Unpublished manuscript entries increased by 183 per cent, from six to 17, while junior entries rose by 169 per cent, from 13 to 35.

NCF officials reported growth in entries and semi-finalists at Tuesday’s launch press conference in the NCF boardroom, with increased participation in literary arts, music, dance, theatre, visual arts and culinary arts.