Arts & Culture
Art exhibitions, cultural events, and theater
Tales and Dreams - Photography and AI-Generated Art Exhibition
"Tales and Dreams" explores a shift from photography as capture to image-making guided by intention, as Mekbib Tadesse moves beyond the constraints of the lens to create AI-generated works that reflect the intangible nature of folk myths and oral traditions. Curated by Zelalem Gizachew, Eyoeal Kefyalew, and the Artawi Team. Opening Reception: 25th April 2026, 4 PM to 8 PM Exhibition Dates: 26th April to 17th May 2026 Daily Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM Venue: KKARE Homes, 2nd Floor, Bole, Addis Ababa
Free Film Screening: Je verrai toujours vos visages
A free screening of Jeanne Herry's film, Je verrai toujours vos visages, examining the French Restorative Justice system. The film follows victims and perpetrators of various offenses as they participate in supervised mediation, depicting the emotional challenges and potential for reparation that arise when these two groups engage in direct dialogue.
20th Addis International Film Festival
The 20th Addis International Film Festival takes place across multiple venues in Addis Ababa, including the Alliance Éthio-Française, Goethe-Institut, Italian Cultural Institute, and VidoeBet Cinema. The festival highlights the role of documentary filmmaking in exploring social issues and fostering dialogue. Free admission offered to the public.
20th Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) Opening - Tribute to Rico Giovanni Bonsignori
The 20th edition of the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) opens with a tribute to Rico Giovanni Bonsignori, a prominent figure in the Addis Ababa music scene. The festival is taking place at the Italian Cultural Institute with this year's program highlighting the annual Fare Cinema review and the artistic connection between Italy and Ethiopia.
Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) 20th Edition Opening - Tribute to Rico Giovanni Bonsignori
The 20th edition of the Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) opens with a tribute to Rico Giovanni Bonsignori, a prominent figure in the Addis Ababa music scene. The festival features the annual Fare Cinema review, highlighting the artistic connection between Italy and Ethiopia. The Italian Cultural Institute serves as the primary venue for this year's program.
CRAFT Festival 2026
CRAFT Festival 2026 brings together Africa's brightest creatives, innovators, and industry leaders. The festival features bold ideas, global conversations, culture, music, and innovation, positioning the city at the heart of the continent's creative future. This is where creativity meets opportunity.
WOODLIFE 2026 Exhibition - Timber in Modern Architecture
The WOODLIFE 2026 exhibition focuses on the application of timber in modern architecture. The event aims to demonstrate the integration of Swedish innovation with Ethiopian resources to promote sustainable construction practices. Registration is required for attendance. Interested parties can secure a place by scanning the QR code provided on the official event materials. Contact: @linkupaddis
Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats - Photography Exhibition
The second edition of Africa Through the Eyes of Diplomats takes place under the theme "Africa Close to Your Heart," featuring a photography exhibition that explores the continent's beauty, heritage, and cultural connections through the perspectives of diplomats. Moving beyond their formal roles, participating diplomats present visual narratives that reflect their experiences and observations across Africa. The exhibition runs from 30 April to 26 May 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Addis Ababa, open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Biweekly Brief: Editing for Film - How to Build Narrative
The Biweekly Brief explores film editing under the theme "Editing for Film: How to Build Narrative," focusing on cutting, rhythm, pacing, and storytelling in cinema. The session features editors Chbirhanu, Biniam Dejene Tekle, G. Balcha, and Kidus Svad. Entry is 200 ETB. RSVP available via the link in bio. Organized by @LinkUpaddis
Addis International Film Festival
Addis International Film Festival running till May 3, 2026. Multiple venues across Addis Ababa including Italian Cultural Institution, Alliance Ethio-Française, Goethe-Institut, and VideoBet. Follow @eventsethiopia for more information.
90 Years of Silence: Sound Archive Exhibition
A multi-sensory exhibition titled "90 Years of Silence: Reconstructing, Returning, Reactivating a Sound Archive of the Horn of Africa". This exhibition features a reconstruction of a sound archive containing over 300 traditional music recordings made during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936–1941) that were subsequently lost during World War II. Contributions from Andemta Collective, Gianpaolo Chiriacò, and Valentina Fusari. Open daily from 9am-6pm.
Exhibition '90 Years of Silence': Sound Archive of the Horn of Africa
A multi-sensory exhibition showcasing the reconstruction of a sound archive containing over 300 traditional music recordings made during the Italian occupation of Ethiopia (1936–1941). The archive was subsequently lost during World War II and has now been reconstructed through contributions from Andemta Collective, Gianpaolo Chiriacò, and Valentina Fusari. The exhibition explores themes of reconstructing, returning, and reactivating this important cultural heritage. Open 9am-6pm daily.