Jose Oviedo, cultural coordinator for the Santo Domingo American Capital of Culture 2010 said that the event would establish the city as “the greatest city in the Caribbean and Central America.” He said the city is outstanding in what it offers in culture, gastronomy and leisure. “This is about coordinating and redirecting effective and concerted processes,” he said. Oviedo spoke of the city’s enviable cosmopolitan atmosphere, the interlacing of national and international elements, its many public and natural spaces, its history and architecture, and the multiplicity of cultural events on offer.
In his view, Santo Domingo provides a great opportunity to go beyond the natural beach-based positioning of the DR, to “focus on identity and cultural diversity.” He said this enables building greater value in the offer.
He gave a preview of what would be happening in 2010. Four leading fine artists will be decorating 30 public buses. Planned events include new drama-visiting circuit, and another circuit for discovering the city’s diverse gastronomy, to be presented by local chefs. He said that the planned events would be attractive to both locals and tourists.