Kurt

Kurt Schoop

IG: kurtschoop

Kurt Schoop: Reviving Otrobanda

Today I walk onto the stage, my voice a little hoarse, my eyes heavy with sleep, and my beard a vibrant splash of color—remnants of the Karnaval of Curaçao still clinging to me. I apologize for my tired voice colored beard and tireness,. This is my story, one of love for my community, and I’m excited to share it with you.

I was born on February 14, 1968, and I like to think of myself as a man of love—not just for people, but for places, culture, and the transformative power of community. When I was 17, I left my island home of Curaçao to study in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. There, I pursued degrees in Cultural Social Education and Policy and Organizational Sciences. Little did I know, these studies would become the foundation of my life’s work: revitalizing communities and empowering people.

When I returned to Curaçao, my first major project was with Project Integrale Ontwikkeling Otrobanda (Integrated Development Project Otrobanda). It was here that I fell in love—not just with the authenticity of the historic neighborhood of Otrobanda, but with its people. I saw the potential in their talents, their stories, and their resilience. Together with the community, we formed the Federation of Otrobanda, a grassroots organization dedicated to breathing new life into the area.

My love for Otrobanda ran so deep that I decided to make it my home. I rented an apartment, and later, despite warnings from friends and family, I bought a rundown property in what was then considered an unsafe area. Prostitution, drug addiction, and neglect had left their mark, but I saw something else: possibility. I became deeply involved in volunteer work and eventually served as president of a local foundation.

In 2018, I teamed up with two friends to throw a block party for ourselves and our neighbors. We called it Kaya Kaya (Street Street), expecting maybe 500 people to show up. But when the community got involved—sharing their food, their talents, and their enthusiasm—the event exploded into a “beautiful mess” of 3,500 attendees. It was a turning point. The success of Kaya Kaya proved to me that when you involve the community, magic happens.

Today, Kaya Kaya is a movement. What started as a block party has grown into a multi-faceted initiative that includes an annual festival (now attracting 22,000 people), an art week, Skol Urbano (a creative school), Artwalkstry (a tour combining art, walking, and history), and a monthly market as part of the Amor pa Otrobanda (Love for Otrobanda)

district branding effort. Our slogan, “We leave it better behind,” encapsulates our mission: wherever we go, we leave the community stronger, brighter, and more connected.

My impact on Otrobanda has earned me the affectionate title of “The Mayor of Otrobanda.” For over 30 years, I’ve been a driving force in the neighborhood’s transformation. In 2019, I co-founded Bario Hotel, a boutique hotel that celebrates the spirit of the neighborhood, and in 2021, I opened Bario Foodyard, a restaurant that showcases local flavors and employs community members. Both places are deeply rooted in the ethos of Otrobanda.

When I’m not organizing festivals or running my businesses, I share my love for Otrobanda through weekly neighborhood tours, where I tell the story of our community’s past, present, and future.

For more information, visit:

• Facebook/Instagram: Kaya Kaya Festival, Bario Hotel, Bario Foodyard

• Website: https://www.kayakaya.org