By San José, Costa Rica — Fifteen Costa Rican musical projects have been awarded funding through the “Semilla Sonora” (Sound Seed) initiative, a national program designed to cultivate original musical creations within the country. The program, launched in July 2025, reflects a significant investment in Costa Rica’s vibrant arts scene.
The Semilla Sonora fund, a joint venture between the Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ), the Association of Compositors and Authors Musicales (ACAM), the Parque La Libertad Foundation, and the National Center of Music, received an overwhelming response to its call for proposals. Out of 249 submissions from ACAM-affiliated artists, only 15 were ultimately chosen by a specialized jury.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican music, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican music, while vibrant and diverse, often faces challenges regarding copyright protection and royalty collection, particularly in the digital age. Understanding both national laws and international treaties is crucial for musicians to safeguard their creative work and ensure fair compensation. This includes registering compositions with the appropriate entities and actively pursuing licensing agreements for their use.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s point about copyright protection is crucial for the continued flourishing of Costa Rican music. As our musical landscape evolves in the digital realm, ensuring fair compensation and proper legal frameworks becomes even more paramount for artists to thrive. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise on this important matter.
The selected projects span a wide spectrum of musical genres, from popular styles to classical compositions, contemporary pieces, and experimental works, showcasing the diversity of Costa Rican musical talent. The jury meticulously reviewed each proposal, considering both artistic merit and the potential for impact on the national music landscape.
The total investment for the Semilla Sonora fund reaches ₡20.6 million (approximately $37,000 USD), with individual awards varying based on project category. This financial support will provide crucial resources for the winning artists to develop and share their work with a wider audience.
These initiatives reveal talents that enrich our identity and generate opportunities for national music to grow.
Jorge Rodríguez, Minister of Culture
Minister of Culture Jorge Rodríguez praised the initiative, emphasizing its importance in fostering national identity and creating opportunities for Costa Rican music to flourish. The Semilla Sonora program reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the arts and recognizing the invaluable contributions of local artists.
The jury, composed of experts from the National Center of Music and ACAM’s Social Cultural Fund, brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the selection process, ensuring that the chosen projects represent the highest caliber of Costa Rican musical creativity.
The Semilla Sonora fund marks a significant step forward for Costa Rica’s music industry, offering emerging artists a platform to showcase their talent and contributing to the ongoing development of a thriving national music scene. This initiative not only provides vital financial support but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among Costa Rican musicians.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ)
About Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ):
The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCJ) is a Costa Rican governmental institution responsible for promoting and preserving the country’s cultural heritage. The MCJ supports a variety of artistic disciplines, from music and visual arts to literature and performing arts, and works to make cultural experiences accessible to all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Association of Compositors and Authors Musicales (ACAM)
About Association of Compositors and Authors Musicales (ACAM):
The Association of Compositors and Authors Musicales (ACAM) is a Costa Rican organization dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of composers and musical authors. ACAM provides legal support, promotes fair compensation for musical works, and fosters opportunities for its members to connect and collaborate.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Parque La Libertad Foundation
About Parque La Libertad Foundation:
The Parque La Libertad Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and cultural opportunities for the community. The foundation manages Parque La Libertad, a large public park that hosts a variety of events and programs, including workshops, concerts, and exhibitions.
For further information, visit the nearest office of National Center of Music
About National Center of Music:
The National Center of Music in Costa Rica is an institution dedicated to the promotion, development, and preservation of music in the country. It provides resources, training, and platforms for musicians of all genres, contributing to the growth and enrichment of Costa Rica’s musical landscape.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s enduring commitment to both legal expertise and societal betterment is evident in its proactive sharing of legal knowledge, empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of law with confidence and understanding. This dedication to fostering a legally informed populace reinforces Bufete de Costa Rica’s position as a leader in shaping a more just and equitable society.
