ARTE A TODO COLOR, Santiago
July 5-12, 2027
New city launched for Year 5! A multidisciplinary cultural retreat exploring Dominican identity through writing, theater, film, music, visual art, architecture, and history. Participants experience Santiago as a living creative landscape while connecting with the artists, stories, and cultural institutions of the Ciudad Corazón.
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Art, Museums & Cultural Exploration: Discover Santiago's artistic heritage through museum visits, galleries, public art, and historic landmarks.
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Creative Writing & Storytelling Workshops: Explore poetry, playwriting, and personal narratives inspired by expert Dominican authors and teachers.
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Theater, Film & Comedy: Engage with local artists through interactive workshops, performances, and conversations about Dominican creative expression.
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Music & Artistic Exchange: Experience Dominican musical traditions and connect with local musicians, visual artists, and cultural practitioners.
ESCRIBIENDO HASTA LAS RAÍCES, Cabarete
July 12-19, 2027
Our Inaugural retreat, four years and counting! A writing and cultural immersion for the Dominican diaspora centered on storytelling, identity, history, and reconnection. Through writing workshops and cultural experiences, participants explore Afro-Dominican history, family memory, and what it means to return to our roots.
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Creative Writing & Reflection Workshops: Take a series of writing workshops where you will learn about Memoir, Generative Writing, Literary Devices, Children's book writing, and more!
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Afro-Dominican & Indigenous Heritage: Engage in cultural experiences and conversations exploring the African, Indigenous, and Caribbean influences that shape Dominican identity. Plus, you get to try on costumes and masks to join the dance party with the local carnaval group.
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Community Engagement & Cultural Exchange: Connect with local educators, artists, and community organizations through meaningful exchanges and grassroots initiatives like Cabarete Sostenible.
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Nature, History & Ancestral Connections: Explore the natural landscapes and historical sites of Puerto Plata while reflecting on our relationship with cocoa, amber, larimar, and other Dominican icons and symbols.
ENTRE RÍO Y RAÍZ, Bonao
August 9-16, 2027
A collaboration between El Retorno × unciviLIZed. We are honored to host this retreat in Bonao, the capital of the Monseñor Nouel province with Lizbel Ortiz and family. Entre Río y Raíz is a campo-centered retreat rooted in land, memory, restoration, storytelling, and joy. Through time in nature, river experiences, creative practice, and Dominican cultural traditions, participants reconnect with the parts of themselves that the city and diaspora may have taught them to leave behind.
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River & Nature Immersion: Reconnect with the Dominican countryside through guided experiences and hikes along rivers in Bonao, el campo, and other natural landscapes.
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Ancestral Knowledge & Rural Traditions: Explore Dominican campo life, local traditions, and intergenerational knowledge through community-centered experiences led by experience Dominican teachers.
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Writing, Reflection & Reconnection: Participate in intentional storytelling, journaling, and creative exercises exploring grief, comedy, intergenerational identities, and our relationship with the land.
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Community & Cultural Exchange: We will visit fincas and learn about agriculture, how herbs and crops are cultivated, and participate in a hands-on activity. You will be able to create a take-home souvenir.