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 exhibition 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 New Perspectives: Dominican Republic.

The photo  exhibition 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.”

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.”

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 pr