“New Perspectives of the Dominican Republic” Exhibition Major Success

A major success. An exhibition never before seen in the Dominican Republic. A reunion of Dominicans with their compatriots and their countryside. Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) and the Ministry of Culture collaborated in organizing a photo exposition titled “New Perspectives of the Dominican Republic” in Parque de la Independencia. The 1.85 meter by 1.25 meter images displayed are also featured in GFDD and FUNGLODE’s publication Dominican Republic: New Perspectives.

The photo exposition attracted hundreds of visitors daily. Visitors were in awe of the beautiful aerial images of their country captured by photographer Anne Casale who worked on the project headed by Director and Editor in Chief, Natasha Despotovic.

The photo exposition attracted hundreds of visitors daily. Visitors were in awe of the beautiful aerial images of their country captured by photographer Anne Casale who worked on the project headed by Director and Editor in Chief, Natasha Despotovic.

The attraction showcased 130 aerial photographs from the provinces of Samaná, La Altagracia, Santiago Rodríguez, Santo Domingo, Pedernales, Barahona, Monte Cristi, Valverde, Puerto Plata, Santiago, Espaillat, Salcedo, María Trinidad Sánchez, Duarte, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, La Romana, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Plata, San Cristóbal, San José, Azua, La Vega, San José de Ocoa, Sánchez Ramírez, Peravia, Monseñor Nouel, Independencia, Bahoruco, Elías Piña and Dajabón.

Walking around the exhibition, one heard commentaries of all sorts. Visitors tried to guess where the photos were taken. Parents quizzed their children about the photos and where they were taken; friends commented amongst themselves about the marvels of a country that is unknown to many of its inhabitants; professors who promised their students to take them to get to know parts of their country, seen from the air.

Walking among the giant images of pure color, one overheard comments such as: “I saw things I never imagined existed in the country. We are getting to know our own places.” “There are marvels in this country that one doesn’t know exists. Through initiatives like this, one feels happy and honored to live in the Dominican Republic.” “It is an extraordinary initiative that showcases the beauty we have in the Dominican Republic.” “I am very proud to be Dominican.”

“We get to travel all around the country right here in this plaza. We really thank the organizers of this exhibition and its sponsors.”

Other commentaries included: “An exhibition like this is very important for students — it showcases information about our country that enriches and educates us.” “One sees the country from another angle — things that can’t be seen at first sight.” “We Dominicans aren’t familiar with these things because we don’t have the opportunity to travel to these places, our country is very beautiful.” “There are people who travel abroad without ever knowing the marvels we have right here.” Others said: “There has never been such a beautiful exhibition here in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic is one of the most beautiful countries and we don’t even know it.” “We get to travel all around the country right here in this plaza. We really thank the organizers of this exhibition and its sponsors.”

The Book

New Perspectives: Dominican Republic is a masterly compiled 300 page bilingual English-Spanish publication comprised of nearly 400 aerial images. The publication is divided into 9 chapters – Reflections of Light, Coasts, Heights, Plains, History, City, People, Tourism and Work – that contain images and text describing various aspects of the country’s history, culture, ecology and contemporary life.

The creation and publication of the book form part of GFDD and FUNGLODE’s overall mission to promote the image of the Dominican Republic worldwide,

The creation and publication of the book form part of GFDD and FUNGLODE’s overall mission to promote the image of the Dominican Republic worldwide, disseminate information concerning the country and strengthen appreciation and respect for its culture and ecological heritage.

GFDD and FUNGLODE hope that the book will serve as a point of reference for the national population and the numerous Dominicans that reside outside as the country, as well as for international visitors, the nation’s commercial sector, students, art and photography aficionados and all those interested in developing a better understanding of the Dominican Republic.

The book can be acquired from FUNGLODE Headquarters in Santo Domingo and GFDD’s offices in New York and Washington, DC.

Arsenia Miranda, FUNGLODE
809.685.9966, ext. 2310
a.miranda@funglode.org
a.miranda@dominicanaonline.org

or

Kerry Stefancyk, GFDD
212.751.5000
kstefancyk@globalfoundationdd.org

It may also be acquired online at: www.dominicanaonline.org/shopping