By Beatrice Waruinge
As part of the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) regional program, Selam Ethiopia hosted a vibrant and inspiring Cartoonist Residency Program in December 2024, bringing together 15 cartoonists—8 male and 7 female—from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The initiative aimed to highlight the power of visual storytelling in advocating for increased public investment in Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
The residency began with a three-day virtual training and continued with a 10-day immersive program held from December 9–19, 2024, in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Two distinguished mentors from Kenya (Paul Kelemba aka Maddo) and Uganda (Chris Ogon) led a series of module-based training sessions, combining theory and practice to equip the participants with the skills needed to use cartooning as a powerful tool for advocacy and social commentary.
A Platform for Learning and Creative Collaboration
The program didn’t just focus on cartooning techniques. It provided a deep dive into the history and evolution of cartooning in Africa, exploring how visual storytelling has influenced governance, addressed pressing social issues, and inspired public dialogue. Sessions emphasized impactful storytelling, idea development, and the creative process—from sketching to final inking or digital production.
Complementing the technical training were panel discussions, workshops, and site visits—all designed to enrich the participants’ perspectives and deepen their understanding of culture’s role in development. Discussions tackled themes like the intersection of culture, democracy, and sustainable development, while workshops focused on intellectual property rights and using art for advocacy.
Site visits to key cultural institutions, including Ale Felege Selam Art School and the newly launched Entoto Art Gallery, offered immersive experiences and inspiration. A highlight of the program was a career talk by Professor Bekele Mekonen, a renowned figure in Ethiopia’s art scene.
Art with a Message
After days of creative exploration and collaborative exchange, the cartoonists relocated to Bishoftu, where they produced over 40 original artworks. These pieces tackled themes such as cultural diversity, the need for regional artistic collaboration, and the CfCA’s advocacy goal: urging African governments to allocate at least 1% of national budgets to the culture sector by 2030.
The residency culminated in a public exhibition held on December 19, drawing over 40 guests, including representatives from government institutions, The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), civil society organizations, the art community, and the media. The exhibition not only showcased the artists’ powerful messages but also featured a reflective panel discussion with residency participants, sharing lessons learned and visions for the future.
Impact Beyond the Residency: A Movement Begins
The Cartoonist Residency Program powerfully demonstrated how art can drive narratives and inspire meaningful change. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride, the program empowered young artists to become vocal advocates for increased public investment in Africa’s creative sector.
Building on this momentum, Selam’s CfCA initiative is set to cultivate a dynamic pan-African network of artists united by a common goal: advancing a vibrant, inclusive, and well-supported cultural landscape across the continent. Beyond showcasing artwork, the residency established a foundation for sustained regional collaboration. Participants voiced a strong desire to remain engaged through joint exhibitions, advocacy efforts, and ongoing capacity-building opportunities.
