Abinader reaffirms commitment to Dominican artists and cultural development

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader met with members of the Dominican artistic community during a luncheon at the National Palace aimed at strengthening ties with the cultural sector, listening to artists’ concerns, and supporting initiatives related to music, art, and national culture.

During the gathering, Abinader emphasized the importance of artists in preserving the country’s identity and cultural development, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining close communication with the sector.

The meeting included the participation of Roberto Ángel Salcedo, Minister of Justice Antoliano Peralta, and ONDA Director José Rubén Gonell Cosme.

Salcedo outlined government plans to expand artistic education through Fine Arts schools and integrate them into the extended school day program. He explained that the country currently has 88 arts-focused centers and more than 7,000 students enrolled in 22 Fine Arts institutions nationwide. The initiative seeks to broaden access to training in music, dance, visual arts, and performing arts while adapting programs to the cultural traditions of each region.

As part of the government’s cultural agenda, Abinader also proposed celebrating “Merengue Week” from November 20 to 29 with activities in Santo Domingo and Santiago. He additionally instructed the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs to collaborate in promoting Dominican talent through embassies and consulates abroad.

Several artists praised the president’s support for the cultural sector during the event. Pochy Familia highlighted Abinader’s closeness to the artistic community and thanked the government for pensions granted to veteran artists. Meanwhile, Rafa Rosario described him as one of the presidents most connected to Dominican artists, while Eddy Herrera stressed the international cultural value of merengue.

The luncheon also brought together prominent figures from the Dominican music and entertainment industry, including Fefita La Grande, Sergio Vargas, Kinito Méndez, Ramón Orlando, Omega, and Jandy Ventura, among others.