In a developing African country the milestone has been civil war and draggy harmful traditions. That always makes African people live under the dark shadows of poverty. Leave alone involve in modern art or sports deciding on the very significant matters of their own family has been rough for women. The art of painting in Ethiopia has its own ancient background mostly bound to the Orthodox Church’s ways of painting. Not only by its own Christian ways of art but the country is also known as the first to be housing one of the world’s first art studios.
Even though the Country has been a hub of ancient Christian painting works in Africa, be it the ancients or the modern times have been dominated by male painters for different reasons and it is a recent phenomenon that female artists joined the profession.
The art world is a diverse and dynamic space, yet the representation of female painters has historically been limited. However, recognizing the importance of gender equality and embracing the unique perspectives and talents of female artists are crucial for a thriving and inclusive art industry.
Creating partnerships between art institutions, organizations, and collectives can lead to collaborations that specifically focus on promoting and supporting female painters. These collaborations can result in joint exhibitions, workshops, and residencies, providing valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Financial barriers often limit the artistic pursuits of female painters. Establishing grants and funding opportunities specifically for female artists can alleviate these challenges and provide them with the resources necessary to create and exhibit their work.
In the digital age, online platforms and social media have become powerful tools for artists to showcase their work. Creating dedicated spaces that highlight the works of female painters can increase their visibility; connect them with art enthusiasts worldwide, and foster collaborations.
Gerar – The Creative Hub ( Gerar Yetebibian Meneharia), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Ashberg Program, is dueto launch a project that aims to empower Ethiopian women visual artists through digital means.
According to Seminas Hadera, the general manager of Gerar, the wisdom centre, “Every artist deserves to realize and take advantage of the opportunities that exist in this digital age. In particular, the Searching for Artists project is a project that allows women artists to get proper recognition for their creativity and talent.
According to the CEO’s speech; By providing digital skills training, developing and implementing digital identity building practices, the project narrows the gender gap in the digital system for female artists. It also supports women artists to play a significant role in today’s digital world by working to foster an inclusive and equitable art and creative system.
The General Manager said that Searching for an Artist lays the groundwork for making a lasting impact by supporting creativity, encouraging inclusivity and identifying and solving the challenges faced by female artists. The project will improve the balanced distribution of cultural products and services, and enhance the mobility and working opportunities of artists and cultural professionals. He also said that he will give great support to ensure gender equality in art.
Through this project, 20 female artists will be working closely with and supporting them, and will be provided with training focused on branding, social media management, website usage, content preparation and market development strategies. This allows the artist to present their works to an audience, to take advantage of new market opportunities.
In order to be accessible to the wider art-loving community and in the global digital system, the project enhances the voice of female art professionals by recognizing the role of digital transformation and identity building in the rapid development.
The project will showcase the artworks of 20 female artists in order to create market linkages. In addition, Searching for Sealit will create job opportunities for 100 young people engaged in the fields of art and technology.
By increasing their exposure and generating fair market opportunities, the Finding Se’alit initiative seeks to establish a holistic brand for female creatives working in the visual arts.
These artists will be able to exhibit their work, interact with larger audiences, and take advantage of new opportunities in the expanding global digital scene thanks to our funding. The goal of Finding Se’alit is to place 100 people working in the cultural and creative sectors. The project’s goal is to empower the upcoming generation of talent and promote creativity by utilising the potential of emerging technology. In order to promote the artists and open up new markets, this project will also include an exhibition featuring the creations of twenty female visual artists.
“We think that every creative should have the opportunity to prosper in the digital age. According to Seminas Hadera, creator and manager of Gerar – The Creative Hub, “Finding Se’alit will open up new opportunities for women visual artists, ensuring their talent and creativity receive the recognition they deserve.”
In addition to facilitating a balanced flow of cultural goods and services, the goals of the UNESCO-Aschberg Programme for Artists and Cultural Professionals are to safeguard and advance artistic freedom and the standing of artists and cultural professionals. It offers capacities, instruments, and technical support to encourage the establishment and growth of creative spaces.
Gerar – The Creative Hub, on the other hand, seeks to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and job development in the cultural and creative sectors.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2024
