Miches Art Festival recognizes contributions of the Ministry of Culture

Miches Art Festival recognizes contributions of the Ministry of Culture
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, June 25, 2012

The Director of the Miches Art Festival recognized the contribution of the Ministry of Culture (MINC) to the celebration of its cultural week, an event designed to showcase the area’s cultural and tourist attractions.

The Festival organizers honored the Minister of Culture, José Rafael Lantigua, by naming him “Protector of the Michelista culture.” In addition, local craftsmen offered him samples of their work, among other recognitions.

The cultural week, which has been held during the past six years, was conceived by cultural agent Sélvido Candelaria, who, together with a group of local intellectuals, seeks to promote the natural and artistic Michense talents.

The Festival organizers honored the Minister of Culture, José Rafael Lantigua, by naming him “Protector of the Michelista culture.” In addition, local craftsmen offered him samples of their work, among other recognitions.

Sélvido Candelaria highlighted the support received from the Minister to carry out this activity and pointed out the successes achieved since its inception. He reiterated his interest in strengthening the cultural project and in seeing that the area continues to grow, both from the economic and artistic standpoints.

Lantigua, after thanking those present for the honor he received, highlighted the work of Sélvido Candelaria, who in 2010 was declared a cultural asset to the nation by the MINC. He outlined the growth that the Festival has experienced to the point that intellectuals from Santo Domingo have expressed their desire to participate in it.

“This festival increasingly encompasses more crafts, literature, the burning and specific issues of the cultural moment, artistic presentations, the children’s presence, and I think, undoubtedly, it is a festival that the Dominican government should protect and should try to promote more and with greater commitment.”

The Miches Festival featured an interesting exhibit of sacred art, which was coordinated by Geo Ripley. Renowned artists such as Yra Gullón, Jhon Padovani, Zilí Kalova, Medy Herrera, Calamina Hera, Gustavo Santiago and Santos Checo, among others, participated in the event.

This festival was attended by tourists and nationals from several areas of the country, and included conferences, seminars, a craft and visual arts fair, workshops for making musical instruments, living statues, crafts made from recycling materials, children’s entertainment, a festival of sacred art, anthropological videos, in addition to the publication of books and the Municipal Book Fair.

Gregorio Aquino, Mayor of Miches, José Rafael Lantigua, Minister of Culture, Sélvido Candelaria, Festival Coordinator, Rafael Peralta, Writer.

The Miches culture week was an opportunity to showcase the handicrafts that are produced in the area.