The Dominican Republic is experiencing exponential growth in its creative sector, according to former Colombian President Iván Duque. Duque was President of Colombia from August 2018 to August 2022.
In Santo Domingo to give a conference on the Orange Economy, Duque shared insights with the Grupo Corripio Media.
Duque highlighted the country’s advancements in the Orange Economy and the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican people. During an interview, Duque emphasized that the Orange Economy employs over 100,000 people in the Dominican Republic and contributes approximately 2% of the GDP, surpassing the mining industry.
“If this sector continues to grow at this pace,” Duque stated, “it could triple in less than a decade and become one of the most significant complements to the tourism industry.”
The former President highlighted various facets of the “Orange Economy,” including carnivals, festivals, video games, and the potential for the Dominican Republic to become a hub for music post-production. Other examples of Orange Economy activities include film, media, carnivals, festivals, and music production.
The Orange Economy encompasses culture, the creative industry, and content creation. It involves activities that transform knowledge into goods or services, promoting both economic benefits and cultural development.
Duque cited the Dominican Republic’s rich cultural heritage as a valuable asset for the orange economy, including music, the restored historic center of Santo Domingo, gastronomy, film and audiovisual production, creative education, archaeological treasures, and the Columbus Lighthouse.
A roadmap for the Orange Economy
Duque outlined a seven-point strategy for countries like the Dominican Republic to foster the orange economy:
- Strengthen information sources
- Establish institutions that promote the Orange Economy
- Develop cultural infrastructure
- Create, promote, and expand the creative industry
- Foster integration and inclusion to allow all talented individuals to contribute
- Provide inspiration through scholarships and other incentives for creators
- Implement creative education with a focus on arts, culture, and humanism
Education and the Arts
Duque expressed concern that Latin American education systems have prioritized science, mathematics, and language over the arts in recent decades. He advocated for a more balanced approach, where arts and creative education receive equal weight, allowing for the early development of talent.
“If we don’t understand that the most important wealth of Latin America lies in the talent of its people, and if the education system allows talent to emerge only sporadically, we will condemn the most talented individuals to ordinary jobs instead of pursuing their passions,” he said.
On 1 October 2024, Duque is scheduled to give the keynote address at the fourth edition of the Caribbean Orange Forum.
Read more in Spanish:
El Dia
1 October 2024