Ministry of Culture Inaugurates the XIV National Fair of Crafts

Ministry of Culture Inaugurates the XIV National Fair of Crafts
Santo Domingo, February 11, 2016

The Ministry of Culture will inaugurate this Thursday the XIV National Fair of Crafts (FENART for its acronym in Spanish), that will take place from the 11th to the 14th of February, in the Fortress of Santo Domingo, from 9am to 10pm The opening ceremony is scheduled for 5:00 pm, and will be presided by the Minister of Culture, José Antonio Rodríguez, and Vice President Margarita Cedeño de Fernández.

The event has been dedicated to the craftsmen of Santiago, under the slogan “Craftsman to the core”. The XIV National Fair of Crafts is expecting more 200 artisans from across the country, where they will showcase their work and offer quality products of Dominican crafts. FENART is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the program Progressing with Solidarity (PROSOLI for its acronym in Spanish) of the Vice-Presidency of the Republic, according to the details offered by Luisa Castillo, Director of the Department of Crafts.

During the opening, 5 selected artisans will receive the National Crafts Award (PAN for its acronym in Spanish). The prize-winning crafts will be showcased at the Permanent Exhibitions Hall at the Fortress of Santo Domingo.

The (PNA) is awarded every two years to recognize the artisans for their efforts and work in every one of their crafts. The winners will receive a letter of appreciation from the Ministry of Culture, and a financial contribution of 80,000 pesos (first place), 60,000 pesos (second place), 40,000 thousand pesos (third place) and 20,000 (fourth place).

The artistic activities in the calendar implemented by the Ministry of Culture, for the enjoyment of the entire family, include a guide for parents and children, workshops, conferences, children’s entertainment, music, dance and folklore, among others.