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OAS Secretary General Inaugurates Dominican/Haitian Photo Exhibit

February 17, 2013

An art exhibit entitled “On Common Ground – Dominican Republic and Haiti” was inaugurated by the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, at the Museum of the Americas in Washington, DC on February 13. The exhibit, put on in collaboration with the DR and Haiti Missions to the US and OAS, as well as GFDD and FUNGLODE, features upcoming innovative artists from the neighboring countries.

In his address, Secretary General
Insulza stressed that “culture is an unbreakable bridge that serves nations not only by forging new ties, but in particular by deepening relationships and broadening the ties of understanding and friendship that countries are always seeking in their aspirations for greater integration.”

Asuncion Sanz, ambassador Anibal de Castro and Gael Monin

He added that “while the Dominican Republic and Haiti are indeed culturally, socially and economically diverse, ’On Common Ground’ examines historical and
present-day commonalities that continue to shape identities across generations.”

The Ambassador of Haiti to the United States, Paul Altidor, stressed that it is the first time there is “a bi-national exhibition of contemporary art from Haiti and the Dominican Republic,” and said that the show “reflects the aspirations of both countries to move forward in their relationship, thus it is only fitting that we would present contemporary works of art from emerging artists
pointing us in the direction of a fruitful future.”

Anibal de Castro, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States, said that both countries “share a common history, but more importantly, we share a vision for the future.” “We stand with Haiti in the efforts to secure sustainable human and economic development,” said the Dominican diplomat, noting that the artists who contributed to the exhibition represent “the desire to engage in a dialogue” between the
two countries.

The exhibition offers fresh perspectives on Hispaniola’s cultural scene and address misconceptions of its two nations’ complex relationship with one another, imagining a brighter future. The artists featured are; Patrick Ganthier. Marc Lee Steed, Jean Enmanuel, Manuel Mathieu Pascale Monnin, Dominican Artists: Natalia Ortega Gámez, Hulda Guzmán, Gustavo Peña, Engel Leonardo Julio Valdez.

Present at the opening of the exhibition were the
Deputy Minister of Culture of the Dominican Republic, Carlos Salcedo; United States Representative Charles Rangel, and Permanent Representatives of the OAS Member States.

“On Common Ground” advances the purpose of the Museum of the Americas to contribute to the objectives of the Inter-American agenda of promoting democracy and social change through the arts, consensus building and the promotion of diversity.

GFDD and FUNGLODE are committed to
supporting and publicize the goals and programs of the Organization of American States (OAS). To view the exhibit, which runs 14-26 May: Art Museum of the Americas, 1201 18th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006.

GFDD and FUNGLODE will utilize the occasion of the exhibit to host a special edition of its Dominican Film Showcase Program to present, share and celebrate the stories, characters and history of the Dominican Republic with an international
audience.