Cash and Scholarships at stake in Youth Advisory Council’s inaugural talent search

THE Prime Ministerial Advisory Council onYouth (PMAC), is organising a talent search initiative, “Ignite”, spanning the period September 19, 2025, to October 5, 2025 in which cash and scholarships may be won.

This inaugural competition is open to individuals between 4 and 35 years of age, as well as groups of up to six persons, a release on behalf of the organisers states.

Registration opened on August 11, 2025 and will close on September 12, 2025. Once registration closes, acts will be assigned to auditions which will run from September 19–21, 2025. From these auditions, 12 acts will advance to the semi-final, and six will secure a place in the finals.

A total of $10,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, “alongside significant scholarship opportunities”.

The winner will receive: $5,000 in cash, as well as a full calendar of performances, and one of the following: A five-year scholarship for primary or secondary students valued at $25,000 ($5,000 annually); A tertiary- level exhibition scholarship valued at $75,000; or, An additional $15,000 in cash.

Semi-finalists will also receive an appearance fee, and mentorship will be provided, including guidance on stage presence, interview techniques, and professional development. Interested entrants can submit in any area of : Singing, Dancing, Drama, Spoken Word, Comedy, Instrument Playing, Acts of Magic, Deejaying, and Variety performances.

Each act must perform within the set time limits (90–120 seconds in the preliminaries, and 2–5 minutes in semi-finals and finals). The competition will feature five main judges with up to two as guest judges; and the judges’ scores will be combined with public voting conducted via the Council’s website.

Entrants are asked to note that content must remain respectful, non-discriminatory, and appropriate, as violations will result in disqualification.

“Ignite” will be streamed on social media platforms and televised on Channel 114, ensuring wide visibility both locally and in the diaspora. “This initiative represents a significant step in building capacity within the cultural sector, complementing the nation’s thriving tourism and sports industries,” the release states. Interested persons may register via: https:// forms.gle/4TYvmUoEhWryjHV3A.

Registration, which opened on August 11, 2025, closes on September 12, 2025. This will be followed by auditions to take place from September 19–21, 2025; with the semi-finals carded for September 27, 2025.The finals and announcement of winners will be done on October 5, 2025.

The Council said it looks forward to the support of the Vincentian public as it showcases and invests in the creativity of the youth of the nation.