SANTO DOMINGO – A landmark partnership has been established between Banco de Reservas (Banreservas) and the General Directorate of Museums (DGM) to bolster cultural infrastructure in the northern Dominican Republic. The formal cooperation agreement centers on the Banreservas Cultural Center and the Santiago Art Museum, two institutions cohabiting the historically significant former Hotel Mercedes building in Santiago de los Caballeros.
Senior executives from both entities formalized the accord, framing it as a dual-purpose initiative. It simultaneously advances the financial institution’s corporate social responsibility objectives and supports the national government’s broader strategy for museum modernization and enhanced cultural accessibility. The partnership delineates clear operational roles: Banreservas will assume responsibility for the physical integrity of the building, encompassing structural maintenance, safety protocols, and overall security. Concurrently, the DGM will maintain its curatorial duties, retaining full ownership, custody, and conservation authority over the museum’s invaluable collections and cultural assets.
The collaborative framework extends to the efficient management of shared common areas, establishing protocols to ensure the seamless execution of cultural programming. This structured cooperation is designed to optimize the dissemination of cultural content and reinforce heritage preservation efforts. This initiative is strategically aligned with the national government’s 2024–2028 development plan, highlighting Banreservas’ sustained commitment to fostering educational opportunities, social inclusion, and cultural development throughout the Dominican Republic.