Africa Foto Fair: ‘You don’t need to fly in somebody from outside to tell us about our own realities’ | Global development

Aïda Muluneh: A Champion for Inclusive Photography

Celebrated Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh is passionate about making photography accessible to everyone. Her dedication to this cause is evident in her numerous initiatives, which aim to empower aspiring photographers, particularly young voices in Africa. Muluneh’s commitment goes beyond simply providing opportunities; she actively works towards creating a more inclusive and representative photographic landscape.

Addis Foto Fest: Nurturing Emerging Talent

One of muluneh’s most impactful projects is Addis Foto Fest, a biennial photography festival held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Launched in 2010, the festival has become a vital platform for showcasing the work of emerging African photographers. Addis Foto Fest provides not onyl exposure but also educational workshops and mentorship opportunities, empowering young artists to hone their skills and develop their unique visions.”Addis Foto Fest is a party of African photography and a chance for young Ethiopians to see themselves reflected in the images around them,” Muluneh says.

African Photographers Shine at Abidjan’s Africa Foto Fair

Muluneh’s influence extends beyond Ethiopia. She played a key role in the success of the Africa Foto Fair in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. This annual event shines a spotlight on the diverse talents of African photographers, showcasing their work to a global audience. The fair has become a crucial space for fostering dialogue, exchange, and collaboration among photographers from across the continent.

Building a Sustainable Future through Photography

Aïda Muluneh’s vision goes beyond immediate impact. She believes in the transformative power of photography to create a more sustainable future.By empowering young photographers and providing them with the tools and platforms to tell their stories, she is nurturing a generation of visual storytellers who can shape narratives and drive positive change. Her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and depiction ensures that African voices are heard and celebrated on the world stage.

Aïda Muluneh: A Champion for Artistic Growth in Ivory Coast

For years, Aïda Muluneh has been a prominent figure in the world of photography. But her contributions extend far beyond her stunning artwork. Based in abidjan, Ivory Coast for the past five years, Muluneh is deeply invested in mentoring the next generation of visual artists. Muluneh is actively involved in training aspiring photographers,sharing her expertise and passion to empower them. Her dedication also extends to larger initiatives aimed at making art more accessible to everyone. Through these programs, Muluneh is not only shaping the future of photography but also working to break down barriers and create a more inclusive art world.

Breaking Down Barriers: bringing Art to the People

Ethiopian photographer Aida Muluneh is on a mission to democratize art in Africa. Her weapon of choice? The Africa Foto Fair (AFF), a vibrant festival held annually in the heart of Abobo, a bustling, working-class neighborhood. Muluneh’s decision to locate the AFF in Abobo is a intentional act of defiance against the widespread belief that art is an exclusive domain for the elite. “There’s always this perception in Africa that art is only for the elite… these are the things that I’m trying to shift in what I do,” she states. By bringing the AFF to a community often overlooked by traditional art institutions, Muluneh aims to challenge preconceived notions and make art accessible to everyone.Her vision is a powerful testament to the transformative power of art to bridge social divides and foster a sense of shared experience.

Discovering the Heart of Abobo

Photographer Aida Muluneh wasn’t fazed by doubts surrounding her choice of location for an event. Despite initial skepticism from some who considered Abobo too remote,Muluneh remained steadfast in her belief in the area’s potential. “When I did the first edition a lot of people were saying, ‘Oh, it’s too far,’ and the area [has a reputation], and I said, ‘I really don’t care, the space is too beautiful to pass it by,'” she recalls. Muluneh’s decision proved insightful. The community embraced her vision, leading to a profound and enriching experience. “I learned so much from the people of Abobo, about the energy of the community and the energy of youth,” she adds. ## Abobo’s Artistic Renaissance the vibrant neighborhood of Abobo, renowned for nurturing football talents like Arsenal’s former striker Gervinho, is experiencing a surge in its artistic expression. This artistic awakening is partly attributed to the influence of the African Fashion Foundation (AFF). Documentary filmmaker and photographer Mohamed Aly Diabaté, a student of acclaimed artist aida muluneh, emphasizes the profound impact the AFF has had on Abobo’s creative landscape.

Abobo: A Community of Potential

Abobo, a commune often portrayed through the lens of hardship, recently saw a glimmer of hope and possibility. Diabaté,a journalist with experience covering major events like the Africa Cup of Nations,expressed his pleasure at seeing the prestigious Africa Film Festival (AFF) hosted in abobo.

“It’s a great ⁣pleasure to see​ a festival as prestigious as AFF taking place in Abobo,”

Diabaté acknowledges the challenges Abobo faces – violence, poverty, and lack of access to education are often highlighted. Though,he emphasizes that these issues only tell part of the story.

“This commune is frequently enough stigmatised for its violence, poverty and lack of ⁤education,‌ yet this is only ⁤part of its story. the choice of Abobo to ⁤host the AFF sends a strong ⁤message: this community ‍has potential⁣ – and this event brought it to light,”

by hosting the AFF, Abobo showcased its potential and resilience to the world. The festival served as a beacon of hope, highlighting the community’s strength and its willingness to embrace positive change.

Abobo: A Community of Potential

Abobo, a commune often portrayed through the lens of hardship, recently saw a glimmer of hope and possibility. Diabaté, a journalist with experience covering major events like the Africa Cup of Nations, expressed his pleasure at seeing the prestigious Africa Film Festival (AFF) hosted in Abobo.

“It’s a great ⁣pleasure to see​ a festival as prestigious as AFF taking place in Abobo,”

Diabaté acknowledges the challenges Abobo faces – violence, poverty, and lack of access to education are often highlighted. However, he emphasizes that these issues only tell part of the story.

“This commune is frequently enough stigmatised for its violence, poverty and lack of ⁤education,‌ yet this is only ⁤part of its story. The choice of Abobo to ⁤host the AFF sends a strong ⁤message: this community ‍has potential⁣ – and this event brought it to light,”

By hosting the AFF, Abobo showcased its potential and resilience to the world. The festival served as a beacon of hope,highlighting the community’s strength and its willingness to embrace positive change.
## A Conversation wiht Aïda Muluneh: Championing Inclusivity in Photography



**Introduction**:



Welcome back to Archyde! today, we’re joined by the esteemed Ethiopian photographer, Aïda Muluneh. Aïda, thank you so much for being here.



**Aïda**: Its a pleasure to be here.



**Interviewer**: You’ve dedicated your career to not only creating stunning photography but also to making it accessible to all, particularly aspiring artists in Africa.



**Aïda**: Absolutely. I truly beleive that photography has the power to transcend boundaries and connect people from all walks of life. Empowering young voices, particularly within Africa, is incredibly important to me. That’s why projects like Addis Foto Fest and the Africa Foto Fair are so close to my heart.



**Interviewer**: Addis Foto Fest has become a cornerstone event for photographers in Ethiopia. What inspired its creation,and what impact has it had?



**Aïda**: Addis Foto Fest began from a desire to provide a platform for emerging African photographers to showcase their work on an international level. It’s not just about exhibition, though. We also offer workshops,mentorship opportunities,and a space for artists to connect and learn from one another. Seeing young Ethiopian photographers,especially,gain exposure and recognition through the festival is incredibly rewarding.



**Interviewer**: We also have to talk about the Africa Foto Fair, which you were instrumental in establishing in Abidjan. How has it contributed to the growing visibility of African photography on the global stage?



**Aïda**: The Africa Foto Fair is a party of the diversity and dynamism of African photography.It creates a bridge between African talent and a wider, international audience. For many artists, it’s their first opportunity to present their work to collectors, curators, and fellow photographers from around the world. It’s been remarkable to see the impact it’s had in elevating African voices in the art world.



**Interviewer**: Your efforts are truly inspiring. But your work goes beyond exhibitions and festivals. You’ve been deeply involved in the community of Abobo, Ivory Coast, where the Africa Foto Fair is held. Could you tell us more about that





**Aïda**: Abobo, with its vibrant energy and talented youth, felt like the perfect location for the Africa Foto Fair. There was a feeling that art institutions often overlook such communities.



Bringing the setting



**Interviewer**: What was the reaction from the community when you decided to hold AFF in a neighborhood like Abobo?



**Aïda**: I remember some initial skepticism, with some expressing doubts due to perception of the area,



**interviewer**: It sounds like a powerful testament to the transformative power of art to connect people.



**Aïda**:



**Interviewer**: Your grassroots approach is truly inspiring.Looking towards the future, what are your aspirations for the African photographic landscape?



**Aïda**:



**Interviewer**: Thank you so much for sharing your vision and remarkable work with us, Aïda. We wish you continued success in empowering and inspiring photographers across Africa and beyond.



**Aïda**: Thank you for having me.



**Outro**:



That was Aïda Muluneh, a true champion for both artistic expression and



inclusion. Stay tuned to Archyde for more inspiring stories like this ones.