Dominican Ministry of Culture opens applications for Atelier Yubarta residency at Cayo Levantado Resort

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Culture and Piñero have officially opened applications for the inaugural Atelier Yubarta Artistic Residency, a new cultural initiative at Cayo Levantado Resort that aims to promote Dominican talent while linking contemporary art with sustainability and community development.

Launched through a partnership between the Ministry and Piñero, the program will offer research and production residencies lasting eight to 12 weeks. Inspired by the humpback whale, an iconic symbol of Samaná, the initiative seeks to create a space where artists can develop projects connected to the region’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and local communities.

The residency is open to Dominican artists and foreign nationals who have legally resided in the country for at least five years. Eligible disciplines include painting, sculpture, visual arts, photography, fashion design, jewelry, and traditional crafts.

Organizers said both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply, with priority given to proposals that explore themes such as environmental sustainability, Dominican identity, and territorial connections.

The first residency will begin on September 15, 2026, while applications will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on August 20, 2026. Candidates must submit their applications in PDF format through the Ministry of Culture’s official online platform.