WILLEMSTAD – Visitors to the Wintertuin Curaçao Festival on Saturday, September 20, will have the chance to experience the future of language and technology at the launch of the LengaGPT Lounge. The interactive space will allow the public to explore a new AI prototype, admire digital artworks created with the help of LengaGPT, and meet the creators behind this groundbreaking project.
At the Veranda Stage, festivalgoers can also join a panel discussion on AI and art, exploring how artificial intelligence intersects with creativity and cultural expression.
Why LengaGPT?
Unlike mainstream models such as ChatGPT, which are largely trained on English-language data, LengaGPT is designed specifically with Papiamentu in mind. English-centered models often miss cultural nuances and fail to properly represent low-resource languages like Papiamentu.
LengaGPT is trained exclusively with Papiamentu texts provided with permission, ensuring that it develops as a fair, inclusive, and culturally responsible AI model. The initiative aims not only to strengthen Papiamentu as a language but also to give it a voice in the technological future.
The project began in 2022, before ChatGPT became a global phenomenon. Under the umbrella of Wintertuin, AI specialists Gabriëlle Ras and Erkan Başar, together with consultant Tim Martina, launched the experiment to explore the intersection of technology and culture.
What to Expect at the LengaGPT Lounge
Interactive demonstrations of the LengaGPT prototype
Digital artworks by Jeroen van der Most, created during his residency at Wintertuin Curaçao with LengaGPT
Opportunities to meet the project team and ask questions
In addition, the Mondi Stage will host a panel discussion on AI and literature, moderated by Nathania Engelhardt and featuring voices such as consultant Tim Martina, writer Tyson Hill, app developer Kyara Lucas, and artist Guenn Ramon Gustina.
Wintertuin Curaçao invites the community to join the conversation, test the prototype, and reflect on what AI could mean for Papiamentu, literature, and storytelling.
The LengaGPT project is supported by the Creative Industries Fund NL and the Cultural Fund Caribbean Area.
