Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy visits ZOMA last year. This multi-faceted centre, with its emphasis on "harmony with nature" fits the PM's aganda and continued efforts with his #greenlegacy:
#GreenLegacy is beyond aesthetics. The air we breath. The wood we use. Water availability for agricultural activities through catchments. Storehouses for carbon. Maintaining biodiversity. Guaranteeing food security. Enhancing eco-tourism. Preventing soil erosion. Controlling floods. All these are intrinsically linked with trees and forests. Let’s all roll out the green carpet for #Ethiopia by planting our print. [Source]
PM Abiy Ahmed also visited Zoma Museum, expressing his amazement at the effort made to transform a garbage accumulation site to a place of respite. He shared his hope that all Ethiopians would overcome challenges like Zoma founders & work to change their country. #PMOEthiopia pic.twitter.com/uDfnU9k6gm
— Office of the Prime Minister - Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) May 12, 2019
The Zoma Museum in Addis Ababa describes its institution thus:
Zoma Museum, formerly known as Zoma Contemporary Art Center (ZCAC) is an environmentally conscious art center located in Addis Ababa. The concept was developed by Meskerem Assegued (cultural anthropologist and curator). It is constructed and co-directed by both Meskerem and Elias Sime (artist).Here is more background on ZOMA (from the organization's web page):
* The concept of ZCAC was first introduced to the public in 2002 during Giziawi #1, an art happening organized by Meskerem with artists from Ethiopia, USA, Italy, Kenya, and France on Meskel Square, one of the largest public venues in Addis Ababa.I will be writing more about ZOMA, its unique architecture, and the programs and projects it hosts.
* The focus of ZCAC multidisciplinary contemporary art [is] international exchange between artists, and the conception and implementation of sustainable, innovative, and environmentally conscious art projects.
* With its residency programs designed around different themes (architecture, landscape design, art, documentary film, and education), ZCAC provides Ethiopian and international artists the opportunity to live in harmony with nature, develop new forms of artistic expression, experiment with new techniques and materials, and to find alternative, artistic, and creative solutions to current environmental problems.
* Another important component of ZCAC’s activities is the establishment of an ongoing educational program with international partner institutions. Since 2002, the center has been regularly hosting educational events, such as workshops at the School of Fine Arts with renowned artists such as David Hammons from New York and Ernesto Novelo from Mexico. With the support of Alliance éthio-française and the British Council, ZCAC has also collaborated with the International Association of Art Critics.
*In 2009 the New York Times Magazine wrote" Its organic, circular structure, intricately carved walls and woven roof appear
like a voluptuous dream, a swirl of ancient techniques and ecstatic imagination."