Launching of an Art and Folklore Project in Manguitos del Capotillo

Launching of an Art and Folklore Project in Manguitos del Capotillo
Santo Domingo, August 21 2015

In the middle of a closed street in the Capotillo neighborhood, with key members of the community and the general public in attendance, the “Art and Folklore in Los Manguitos” project, sponsored by FUNDEMA and its cultural managers María Cleo Sánchez and Dr. Ivette García Colomé, was officially opened.

This project, which competed in the Second National Call for Cultural Projects, immediately received the support of the Ministry of Culture because of the powerful social significance it has in promoting values, as well as its contribution to the practice and strengthening of our folklore. In her keynote address, María Cleo (Charo) said that “in the Capotillo neighborhood, contrary to what many may think, we are people of peace, love and fraternity, which are the reasons why we are speeding up this project, to strengthen the values of our nation, in the name of Jesus.” Meanwhile Dr. Ivette García Colomé said, “Cultural projects supported by the Ministry of Culture are a new way to reach these areas that are so vulnerable, and thus, contribute to reducing the level of crime they have, and the social stress to which these children and adolescents, and therefore, also the parents, are subjected.”

Dr. García also said that “this project will include Folkloric Ballet workshops, theater and puppet shows, as well as folk instruments classes (guira, tambora and drums), besides strengthening the Los Manguitos Batton Ballet, among other initiatives.”

In his address, Claudio Cohén, Coordinator of the Vice Ministry of Culture Decentralization, on behalf of the Minister of Culture, congratulated those responsible for this project to be implemented in a neighborhood full of good people who love peace, whose parents are grateful that their children are occupied during their free time, thereby ensuring that they grow up with good mental health.

He also described the broad scope that the Cultural Calls from the Ministry of Culture have, which make it possible for a large majority of the cultural managers in the country to receive direct resources to develop their cultural initiatives and thus contribute to the strengthening of our identity. The event ended with a presentation by the students of José Tambora and the Barrio Capotillo Batton Ballet.

Photos