Ethiopia through art
Makush is a key player in the ‘art’ sub-sector of Ethiopia’s tourism offering, augmenting the visitors experience on the ground and is without doubt a testament to the burgeoning art sense in Ethiopia. Their gallery and restaurant, located in the trendy bole area-the down town of Addis Ababa- and a treat to one’s eyes as well as one’s palate! makush is one of the favorites venues for foreign visitors and their tour guides.
Tesfaye Hiwet, who establishes makush, followed his vision and moved back to Ethiopia over 18 years ago, leaving behind his expatriate life In the U.S. He started the now famous makush gallery In 200, exhibiting the works of 15 local artists. Today, makush has approx… 100 artists on its books at any given time, an eclectic collection of more than 750 paintings in their gallery. Makuash also sells paintings through its second branch-their website, bringing much need foreign currency to Ethiopia.in the last 18 years makush have focused exclusively on developing Ethiopian artists and in turn those artists have developed their art and livelihood this has proven to be a very successful joint strategy-appalling to all foreigners either living in or visiting Ethiopia.
One of the key objectives for makush, is the promotions of a strong and modern view of Ethiopia abroad. makush successfully present that picture through a collection of art works that range from traditional to contemporary story telling of Ethiopia by their artist; it also extends to their international exhibitions of Ethiopian art in Europe and America.
Makush are currently working on second Irish exhibition which will takes place on the 12th -15th October 2019, at Smock Alley Theatre in the Temple Bar area of down town Dublin. It is expected that sir bob Geldof –well known to Ethiopia, will formally open the art exhibition in Dublin. The Smock Alley venue also enjoys the patronage of his Excellency, President Michael D. Higgins, president of the republic of Ireland, who made a state visit to Ethiopia in November 2014.
This exhibition serious has come about through makush’s partnership with Ethiopiaid Ireland, an Irish funder of local charities based in Ethiopia. In March 2017, three other branches of Ethiopiaid came to visit their local partners. On that occasion it was agreed to pursue more makush art exhibitions in the UK, Canada and Australia-all branches of Ethiopiaid-over the next 18 months.
It is a fact that every foreigner who deals with makush is learning about Ethiopia at the same time. Some of the makush activities and supports for Ethiopia include:
Foreign currency: a significant amount of foreign currency through international and credit card sells.
International exhibitions: a growing activity for makush e.g. Ireland in September 2015 and again in October 2017.
Local firms: makush promotes local Ethiopian firms through its advertising and related activities e.g. Ethiopian airlines, Dashen bank, coffee, and it continues to expand this type of coverage
Adoption associations: strong links have been crated over the years with 15,000 (fifteen thousand) families (in America, Ireland, and Canada in particular) whom have adopted Ethiopian children. This families travel to Ethiopia regularly and always visit makush
In-country tourist itineraries: many tour operators includes makush in their visitor itineraries in order to build on this makush has recently joined the Ethiopian tour operators association to enhance and reinforce makush’s links with all foreign visitors through fellow members
Ex-patriate dinner parties: makush organizes regular dinner parties to bring together ex parties and local businesses, build on their networks and increase foreign currency sales via credit card payments
Diplomatic relations: makush holds art shows at many embassies e.g. EU and EU member state embassies, US embassy and more as well as international venues such as ICS school in old airport area
Digital presence: makush can be found on many review websites e.g. Tripadvisor, lonely planet, the next canvas, BBC, catbird in Africa, Facebook and more…