A striking public exhibition in Addis Ababa showcased original works by 15 exceptional cartoonists from Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Tanzania on December 19, 2024. The event was the culmination of the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) Cartoonist Residency Program, an initiative led by Selam to amplify cultural advocacy through art, which was held from December 9-19, 2024.
The exhibition, attended by notable guests including Hassan Guyo representing the Embassy of Sweden in Addis Ababa, celebrated the powerful and creative expressions of the participating artists. Their work centered on a unifying message: urging governments across Africa to allocate at least 1% of national budgets to the cultural sector by 2030.
What began as a brief virtual introduction evolved into a 10-day intensive residency filled with collaboration, mentorship, and purposeful creation. Under the guidance of renowned cartoonists Chris Ogon and Paul Kelemba (Maddo), the artists developed bold, visually compelling pieces that resonated with both public audiences and cultural stakeholders alike.
The exhibition not only highlighted the vibrancy of African cartooning but also served as a call to action for sustained investment in culture across the continent.
