URI Feinstein Campus Gallery stages GFDD and FUNGLODE’s Ninth New Perspectives: Dominican Republic Photo Exhibit

Rhode Island, 09/15/2011

“Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) & Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) hosted their ninth photo exhibit entitled "New Perspectives: Dominican Republic", in collaboration with the Urban Arts & Cultural Program of the University of Rhode Island Providence Campus.

An opening reception was held on Thursday September 15th at the URI Providence Feinstein Campus Gallery where a selection of 58 aerial images from the Dominican Republic, accessible to both students and the general public, is on display until October 31. The Exhibit is honored to form part of Gallery Night Providence, which is a city-wide and complimentary, introduction to Providence’s dynamic art scene whereby every month, twenty-one of the city’s hot "art spots" open their doors to invite the public to a visual arts experience.

The "New Perspectives: Dominican Republic" Exhibit was inspired by the book of the same name and features a journey of photographic expressions of the natural and cultural heritage of the country. It is the result of the work undertaken by photographer Anne Casale’s artistic lens, under the auspices of GFDD and FUNGLODE, showing landscapes, people and situations that go far beyond the typical images associated with the country.

The idea for this project originally came as a result of a helicopter flight from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana in 2005 by GFDD’s Executive Director, Natasha Despotovic, and Ms. Casale. Whilst on the flight, they saw workers in cane fields and began to spontaneously shoot photos. Ms. Despotovic realized that the photos captured images of the country that most do not get to see and by the time the flight had arrived in Punta Cana, the idea of a photo book had been born.

The resultant book was so well received that the concept of a traveling Photo Exhibit was conceived to bring the photos to a wider audience. To date, the exhibit has been on display in Santo Domingo, Barcelona, Washington DC, New York among other cities.

GFDD and FUNGLODE, the institutions that promoted the creation of the book, felt the need to share this experience with Rhode Island’s sizeable Dominican and Latino community as well as all those who share an interest in Dominican culture and heritage. Guests who passed through the Exhibit, were very animated about the photos and pleasantly surprised to learn more about the lesser known areas of the country. Many of the attendees were so admiring of the beautiful pictures that they went on to express a strong interest in visiting the island in the very near future.

Introductory remarks were delivered by the Coordinator of the Urban Arts and Culture Program, Steven Pennell, who explained that the objective of the Exhibit was to educate people through art, whilst at the same time acknowledging and celebrating the Dominican Community - a vital cultural component of Rhode Islands population. The exhibit will also serve to strengthen collaboration between URI and GFDD/FUNGLODE, through educational programs such as InteRDom, the highly acclaimed Dominican student exchange program.

Yamile Eusebio, FUNGLODE’s Director of Educational Activities and Director of GFDD’s New York office, went on to explain that the exhibit aims to promote the magnificent natural scenery of the Dominican Republic and to strengthen knowledge for its culture and environmental heritage from both Dominicans and foreign visitors alike.

Anne Casale, whose photographic material is used in the Exhibit, said that the photos are eye-witness accounts of the natural biodiversity of the country and the beauty of its beaches, mountains, valleys, cities and people. She pointed out that in addition to pristine beach resorts, the Dominican Republic has many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

A special Gala Gallery Night Reception on October 20th from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with music, dance and special guests, will celebrate Hispanic heritage month and be attended by a number of local dignitaries.

For more information, email:
photoexhibition@newperspectivesdominicanrepublic.com or visit http://www.newperspectivesdominicanrepublic.com or uri.artsandculture@gmail.com
 Tel. 401-277-5206.