Ethiopian art exhibition, the first of its kind, opened on February 26, 2024 at the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels, Belgium. The Ethiopian Art Exhibition is being held under the theme of “Ethiopia Land of Origins and Civilization.”
The Arts Exhibition was organized with Addis Ababa University Ale School of Fine Arts and Design.
The opening event was launched in the presence of H.E. Mr. Stefano Sannino, the Secretary-General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), H.E. Ambassador Bart De Groof, representative of the Belgian FPS Foreign Service, and H.E. Dr. Norbert Richard Ibrahim, the Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Members of the international diplomatic community in Brussels, businesses, universities and media in Belgium, members of the Ethiopian diaspora in Benelux countries were in attendance.
During welcoming remarks, H.E. Hirut Zemene Kassa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ethiopia to the Benelux Countries highlighted on how the exhibition showcases Ethiopia as a Land of Origins and Civilizations through centuries-old history of Arts, the unique colours, their unique designs and features, scientific advancements, architectural marvels, cultural heritage, societal progress, and abundant natural resources.
H.E Ambassador Hirut noted that Ethiopia is rooted in Africa, spread around the world, through its contacts with ancient European cities and long-distance trade with the Far East. H.E. also mentioned Ethiopia’s long history of diplomatic relations with various countries around the world including its role as a founding member of the United Nations and the African Union.
In this regard the Ambassador noted that Ethiopia has maintained diplomatic relations with the host country, Belgium, for 118 years. She also hailed the more than five decades of relations with the European Union, which has been upgraded to “towards strategic partnership cooperation” since 2016. Ambassador Hirut has also highlighted the importance of diplomatic relation on common issues and respect for political and cultural differences. The Ambassador the importance of this approach in establishing effective and fruitful relations.
The Ambassador further stressed that the world is faced with unprecedented large-scale challenges and to get through this difficult time, all countries must use their cultural values to aspire and strive to leave a comfortable and human world for future generations.
Following the opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Hirut, H.E. Mr. Stefanno Sannino, Secretary General of the EEAS, took the stage and appreciated the high-level political dialogues that were held between Ethiopia and the EU as a means to define a common agenda. H.E Mr. Stefanno also remarked that Art and culture help to realize the world as one and the way to live is to nurture and take care of it. He also noted that to manage the complexity of the poly-crisis situation, events like this play a vital role in bringing the world together.
H.E. Ambassador Bart De Groof took the stage and thanked the Embassy of Ethiopia for organizing the Exhibition. He as a historian expressed Ethiopia’s important place in world history. He further expressed art as a common language that unites all and allows us to overcome the barriers.
Assistant Secretary General of the OACPS, H.E. Dr. Norbert Richard Ibrahim asserted that for the People of the OACPS, the title of the Exhibition is self-explanatory and said Ethiopia is the motherland and a cradle of humanity. He further conveyed Ethiopia being unique in cultural heritage and rich history that is recognized by UNESCO.
The artworks exhibited the celebrations of festivals, the beauty of rural Ethiopia, ancient history stretching from the Axumite civilizations to the Harar period, Ethiopia’s ancient science and astronomy with magnificent works of art, and the history of Ethiopia’s conquest. Some of these artworks are said to be nearly a century old and are preserved as cultural heritage by the Addis Ababa University Ale School of Fine Arts and Design.
During the opening ceremony, traditional Ethiopian coffee brewing and Ethiopian cuisine were served to guests.
The Embassy appreciates the sponsorships extended by the Ethiopian Airlines and the close collaborate of the Ethiopian Art Conservation Program.
