Setting out efforts and challenges of protecting heritage and creating public conversation on the matter of Art and Culture in Ethiopia were the focus of the panel discussion hosted by by the founder of Ethiopian Art Conservation program, Ms. Naomi Meulemans in partnership with a well-known art gallery of the Black Panther in the city of Antwerp, Belgium on the 18th of June 2023.
Speaking at the event as a panellist, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to the Benelux countries and EU institutions, H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene raised, among others, Ethiopian culture, history, heritages and art conservation, areas where Ethiopia and Belgium share cultural connection, international cultural exchanges, the role of the Embassy in facilitating various activities related to the matter and the current developments in Ethiopia to attendees of the event.
Noting the cruciality of considerate cultural sensitivity, understanding local norms, and building relationships with local communities, the Ambassador emphasized the need to foster collaborations and partnerships between local and international art conservation organizations, museums, universities, and cultural institutions in a way that facilitates knowledge exchange, capacity building, and access to funding for conservation projects. She appreciated the efforts of Ethiopian Art Conservation Program in creating links between Ethiopian and Belgian Higher Education Institutions which focuses in investing in education and training programs for art conservation professionals at universities or art institutions to train conservationists in preserving and restoring different forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and traditional artifacts.
Panellists speaking at the event also included the president of BelgoEthiopian Association Mr. Thewodros Berhanu where he shared his views on the discussion points raised by the moderator Ms. Naomi Meulemans.
Following the panel discussion, Ethiopian Artists’ paints from Ale Fine Arts school in Addis Ababa were showcased and received many visitors from the event and outside.
Ethiopian Art Conservation Program is designed to deliver professional art conservators and restorers through an educative program resulting in the development of human resources in the art and cultural industries.
