Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – In a move designed to deepen cultural connections between Italy and the Dominican Republic, the Italian Embassy in Santo Domingo, headed by Ambassador Sergio Maffettone, has unveiled the inaugural edition of the photography competition titled *Instants of Italy: Italy Through the Dominican Gaze*. The project, rooted in the belief that visual creativity is a powerful bridge between nations, opens a unique door for Dominican creators to share their personal perspectives on all things Italian.
The call for entries invites Dominican photographers and photography enthusiasts of all levels to turn their lenses to the aspects of Italy that have shaped their understanding of the country. This includes everything from iconic Italian landscapes and time-honored traditions to the subtle and lasting influence of Italian culture that can be traced across daily life in the Dominican Republic.
The official launch event, hosted by veteran communicator María Angélica Ureña, drew a diverse crowd of distinguished guests, including members of the local diplomatic corps, representatives from partnering and sponsoring organizations, and members of the national press. In his opening remarks at the event, Ambassador Maffettone emphasized that the contest does more than just showcase Dominican creative talent: it also serves as a celebration of the decades-long warm relationship between the two countries.
To incentivize participation, the competition offers a standout top prize that has drawn widespread interest: two round-trip flights to Italy, generously donated by Italian airline Neos Air. Additional prizes and exclusive surprises are also planned for top-placing participants. After submissions close and judging is completed, the Italian Embassy will officially announce the contest winners this December, as a centerpiece of the closing events for the first edition of the initiative.
Beyond the competition itself, the launch evening celebrated Italian art and culture more broadly, featuring a captivating live violin performance by Italian musician Eva Cammaro, followed by a celebratory toast to the project and its mission of cross-cultural connection.
The embassy extended formal recognition and gratitude to all supporting partners and sponsors, which include INDEX, Neos Air, Casa de Italia, Alive Healthy Food, and Mionetto Prosecco, without whose support the initiative would not have been possible.
Organizers note that the project is intended to be far more than a standard photography contest. At its core, it is a structured space for mutual cultural exchange, creative exploration, and collaborative connection between the two nations. By centering Dominican perspectives of Italy, every submitted photograph becomes a tangible reflection of the unseen cultural bonds that link Italy and the Dominican Republic, fostering greater understanding and friendship for years to come.