Bonaire presents the lowest secondary motivation rates across nearly all categories, which aligns with its high proportion of hobbyists (81%). Safeguarding intangible heritage shows to be limited, as much of the knowledge is still held by many aging practitioners without formal archiving or structured transfer to younger generations.
Survey data from 63 respondents on which cultural and creative practices they have engaged in and what they are most active in.
Bonaire · n=63 · Top responses
WCL survey 2026. Multiple responses allowed.
Bonaire · n=63 · Top responses
WCL survey 2026. Single most active practice selected.
Discussions were organised around six research domains. Below are key findings from each domain as raised by focus group participants on Bonaire.
Schools remain very important spaces for cultural learning. Cultural education does exist in the curriculum, but support is often inconsistent.
There is a strong network of amateur arts and cultural education outside of the schools in Bonaire — active in homes, after-school programs, churches and community spaces.
Bonaire's living heritage remains very strong in festivals and daily practices. Important traditions include Simadan, Karnaval, Dia di Rincon, Regatta and Dia di Boneiru.
Cultural participation is broad and strongly community-based. Major cultural events bring people together across generations and are valued at a high level.
The governance structure creates gaps between decision-making and practice. Increasingly funding for arts and culture is available on Bonaire — though policy and funding structures do not always match local realities.
Knowledge about the creative economy is emerging but in many ways is still underdeveloped. It is mainly visible in crafts, food, fishing and community events.
Survey breakdowns, focus-group transcripts and the full WCL recommendations are included in the final report.
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