The Vision for Liberia Talent Hunt (VLTH) has officially launched a transformative moment for Liberia’s creative industry and the youth of the nation.
Spearheaded by Vision for Liberia Company under the leadership of Executive Director Doriana Harris, the initiative aims to uncover, nurture, and showcase the country’s abundant talent across various creative fields.
In her opening remarks at the launch event, Harris highlighted the project’s significance, emphasizing its role in empowering Liberian youth. “This initiative is about creating opportunities,” she said. “It’s about giving our young people a chance to shine, not just within Liberia but on an international stage. We want them to know that their talents are valued and that Liberia can be a place for them to grow and succeed.”
Founded in 2023 and legally registered in January 2024, Vision for Liberia Company is an event and production management firm with a mission to drive Liberia’s development by tapping into the vast potential of its people. The Talent Hunt Project reflects the company’s broader mission of fostering hope, creativity, and growth among the nation’s youth.
“Our mission is to inspire hope, foster creativity, and empower growth,” Harris explained. “We aim to show young Liberians that their talents matter and that with the right platform, they can build sustainable careers.”
The initiative’s vision is equally ambitious. Harris envisions the Talent Hunt as Liberia’s premier platform for discovering and showcasing exceptional talent, fostering a vibrant community of creativity, diversity, and innovation.
The Vision for Liberia Talent Hunt is not just another talent competition. It is a structured, nationwide initiative designed to provide young people with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
The program will include several phases: Nationwide Auditions Auditions will be held in key cities and communities across Liberia to ensure inclusivity and accessibility, Skill Development Boot Camp: Contestants selected from the auditions will participate in an intensive boot camp where they will hone their skills and prepare for the next stages of the competition, and Grand Finale:
The journey will culminate in a grand finale, celebrating Liberia’s most outstanding talents and awarding prizes to the winners.
This structured approach sets the Talent Hunt apart, providing participants not just a platform to perform but also opportunities to develop their craft and connect with industry leaders.
The Talent Hunt focuses on inclusivity and affordability to ensure broad participation. Contestants aged 16 and above are eligible to join for a nominal fee of $5, making the program accessible to a wide range of aspiring talents.
The competition is open to talents across diverse creative fields, including music, dance, acting, poetry, stand-up comedy, and art. Harris emphasized the need for such a platform, noting the lack of opportunities for Liberia’s young people to showcase their abilities.
“We have so many talented individuals in Liberia, but they lack the support and platforms to excel,” she said. “This initiative aims to change that.”
Unlike many competitions, the Vision for Liberia Talent Hunt is designed to be more than a one-off event. The project is envisioned as a sustainable platform that will continue for multiple seasons, becoming a household name in Liberia.
“This is not just for one or two seasons,” said Gardner G. Varnie, Team Leader for Vision for Liberia. “We aim to make this a legacy project—a brand that represents the best of Liberia’s talent.”
Harris’s inspiration for the Talent Hunt comes from her years abroad, where she observed Liberia’s untapped potential. She saw an opportunity to create a platform that could elevate young Liberians, enabling them to connect with industry leaders and showcase their skills to the world.
“It comes with challenges and a huge budget,” Harris admitted, “but with the team we have and the support we’re hoping to garner, we can make this a success. This platform is about more than just showcasing talent—it’s about inspiring a generation.”
The success of the Vision for Liberia Talent Hunt depends on collaboration and support from various stakeholders. Harris called on the media to amplify the stories of hope and determination that the initiative will generate and invited sponsors and partners to join in creating a brighter future for Liberia’s youth.
“This vision requires teamwork,” she said. “Together, we can build a platform that serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our young people.”
As the Vision for Liberia Talent Hunt gears up for its first season, the anticipation is palpable. The initiative promises to redefine Liberia’s creative landscape, offering a platform for young stars to shine and thrive.
“This is not just a talent show,” Harris concluded. “It’s a movement to inspire, empower, and transform lives. Together, we can make history and create a lasting legacy for Liberia.”
With its comprehensive approach, focus on sustainability, and commitment to excellence, the Vision for Liberia Talent Hunt is poised to become a cornerstone of Liberia’s cultural and creative renaissance.