Selecta RD 2026 celebrates Dominican crafts and Taíno heritage
Santo Domingo.- The fourth edition of Selecta RD 2026 concluded in Santo Domingo with awards honoring entrepreneurs, researchers, cultural managers and master artisans for their contributions to preserving and promoting Dominican craftsmanship.
Held over three days at the Hodelpa Casa Real Events Center in the Colonial City, the event focused on the theme “Taíno Footprints in Dominican Crafts” and featured exhibitions, academic presentations, cultural activities and recognition ceremonies.
This year’s edition was dedicated to Fernando S. Lemoine, a master potter and visual artist recognized for his career, educational work and contributions to Dominican crafts.
Among those honored were archaeologist and researcher Manuel García Arévalo, for his work documenting Taíno culture; Lourdes Camilo de Cuello, for her support of artisans and creative industries; and Rodolfo Espinal, for promoting Dominican tourism and crafts.
The Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce and Handicraft Production Foundation also recognized Seaboard Clean Energy for supporting cultural initiatives and participating artisans.
Celebrating Taíno heritage
The program included a meeting for carvers and sculptors, featuring historian José Guerrero, who presented a lecture on evidence of the Taíno legacy.
A Taíno Gathering led by Manawa Kuya Ni featured traditional-inspired ceremonies, music and dances. Ilonka Vásquez, director of the Maguá Museum, also demonstrated the mayohuacán, a ceremonial instrument associated with the Taíno people.
During Taíno Night, several individuals were recognized for their contributions to Dominican crafts, including José de Ferrari, Ramona Heureaux, Miguel Ángel Camilo and Soraya Medina. Jewelry designers Gisselle Mancebo, known as “the queen of larimar,” Fátima Polanco and Emelinda Pérez were also honored.
The exhibition showcased works by master artisans from across the Dominican Republic, including wood and stone carvers, sculptors, leatherworkers and ceramic artists. Many of the pieces incorporated symbols, shapes and other elements inspired by the country’s Taíno heritage.
Created and curated by Valentín Guerrero, Selecta RD 2026 was presented in collaboration with the Coopera Banreservas Program and brought together artisans, artists, researchers, cultural managers, entrepreneurs, tourism representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.
The event received support from several organizations, including Fundación Refidomsa, Seaboard Energía Limpia, Banco Popular Dominicano, Centro Cultural Banreservas, JCDecaux, Asociación Cibao de Ahorros y Préstamos and Plan International.
