In a groundbreaking move, two of Addis Ababa’s most iconic hotels, the Sheraton Addis and the Hilton, have joined forces with the Culture Club to celebrate and promote the city’s vibrant art scene. This unique partnership will culminate in two major art exhibitions this April, with all proceeds going directly to the artists and local charities.

The first event, “The Art of Ethiopia,” will take place on April 10 and 11 at the Sheraton Addis’s new ballroom. Now in its tenth year, this highly anticipated exhibition will showcase the works of 62 carefully selected Ethiopian artists. The event provides local and international collectors with a unique opportunity to discover contemporary Ethiopian fine art.

Victoria Obiakor, speaking on behalf of Sheraton Addis, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to the arts community. “We are proud to provide a platform for these talented artists to showcase their creativity,” he said. “In addition to regular commissions spent on art projects, we are offering exclusive exhibition space for the three best-selling artists, further expanding their reach.” The opening ceremony, by invitation only, is scheduled for April 9, followed by public access on the 10th and 11th.

Following “The Art of Ethiopia,” the Hilton Addis Ababa will host “The Big Art Sale 2025” on April 12 and 13. This artist-driven initiative is designed to facilitate direct connections between buyers and sellers. Leulseged Retta, a key organizer, emphasized the event’s unique focus. “This is a project by artists, for artists,” he explained. “It’s about direct negotiation between buyers and sellers, ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work.”

Yasir Bagersh, founder of the Culture Club, underscored the charitable nature of both events. “Neither the hotels nor the organizers make any profits,” he said. “Every dollar goes directly to the artists and selected charities. The Big Art Sale also includes family-friendly activities, making it a cultural experience for all ages.”

Both events have received generous support from prominent local businesses, including Dashen Bank, MIDROC, BGI, East African Bottling SC, and Coca-Cola. This collaboration marks a significant moment for Addis Ababa’s art scene, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage and celebrating the artists who bring it to life.

“The Art of Ethiopia” and “The Big Art Sale” promise to be historical events that will unite art lovers and support the development of Ethiopian contemporary art. By providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work, these exhibitions not only promote cultural exchange but also contribute to the economic empowerment of artists.

A new book titled *“Haile Selassie: The Palace’s Photo Albums”* has been released, offering a unique glimpse into Ethiopia’s royal past through a stunning collection of photographs from the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. Edited by Giula Bonacci, Denis Gérard and Estelle Sohier, this book provides intimate and insightful portraits of one of Africa’s most influential leaders.

The book spans Haile Selassie’s life from his childhood in 1896 to his removal in 1974, featuring thousands of images preserved from the National Palace. These photographs capture various aspects of his reign, including personal family life, political power, diplomatic engagements, and periods of war and exile. The collection is organized into seven thematic sections: family, rights to power, war and persecution, and paintings of Haile Selassie, which cover both domestic and international affairs.

Professor Shiferaw Bekele who wrote the part ‘Haile Selassie, The Leader and the Man’ emphasized the importance of visual records in understanding Haile Selassie’s role in Ethiopia and internationally. “We want to make Haile Selassie’s policies visible,” he said, highlighting the significance of these photographs as historical sources and representations of Ethiopian heritage.

The book includes accompanying texts that provide crucial historical context. Professor Shiferaw offers an introduction to Haile Selassie’s reign, while an interview with Denejira details the preservation of the palace’s photographic archives. Stéphane Soler from the University of Geneva discusses the role of photography during this period.

One of the book’s most remarkable features is a transcript of Haile Selassie’s speech during the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, translated into French and Polish. This document, along with reflections on the imperial heritage, enhances the historical depth of the book.

The editors underscored the importance of these photographs as historical sources and representations of Ethiopian heritage. “These texts provide context for the photographs and evoke the context in which these albums were produced and their political use,” they noted.

Professor Shiferaw highlighted the book’s value in understanding Haile Selassie’s influence on African independence and international politics. “Visual representations of African independence, images of summit meetings and discussions, demonstrate the book’s significance in historical research,” he explained.

The publication of *“Haile Selassie: The Palace’s Photo Albums”* is set to become a valuable resource for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in the complex and rich history of Ethiopia. Available now at BookWorld, this book offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of one of Africa’s most iconic leaders through rare and captivating photographs.

For those interested in digging deeper into Ethiopia’s royal past, this book is a must-read, providing a comprehensive and visually stunning exploration of Haile Selassie’s reign and its enduring impact on African history.

The Portuguese Embassy in Ethiopia recently hosted a commemorative event celebrating the 500th anniversary of Luís de Camões, Portugal’s most renowned poet, while simultaneously highlighting the enduring historical ties between Portugal and Ethiopia. The occasion brought together diplomats, literary enthusiasts, and scholars to reflect on Camões’ literary legacy and the centuries-old relationship between the two nations.

Ambassador Luísa Fragoso opened the event by emphasizing the significance of Camões’ works in shaping Portuguese culture and identity. She described him as a monumental figure in European literature whose influence transcends borders. “Luís de Camões is not only Portugal’s greatest heroic lyricist but also a symbol of our cultural heritage. His work *Os Lusíadas* remains a testament to the soul of Portugal,” she remarked.

Guest speaker Luísa Mellid-Monteiro, a journalist, literary critic, and author of the book ‘Luís de Camões’, provided an in-depth exploration of the poet’s life and contributions. Mellid-Monteiro compared Camões’ mastery of verse to literary giants such as Shakespeare, Milton, Homer, Virgil, and Dante. She explained how his poetry elevated the Portuguese language to new heights, earning it the nickname “the language of Camões.”

Born in 1524 or 1525, Camões is best known for his epic poem *Os Lusíadas*, which recounts Vasco da Gama’s historic voyage to India. The poem blends historical events with mythological elements, celebrating Portugal’s maritime achievements during the Age of Exploration. Mellid-Monteiro traced Camões’ life journey—from his Galician roots to his military service in Ceuta (where he lost his right eye)—and his adventurous travels across Africa and Asia. Despite enduring personal hardships such as poverty and imprisonment, Camões remained devoted to his poetry and country.

The event also served as a platform to celebrate 500 years of diplomatic relations between Portugal and Ethiopia. Ambassador Fragoso highlighted the historical significance of this relationship, which dates back to the early 16th century when Portuguese explorers first established contact with Ethiopia. “We are celebrating not only Camões but also our deep-rooted ties with Ethiopia that span half a millennium,” she said.

Fragoso announced plans for an upcoming celebration featuring a book that explores the historical connections between Portugal and Ethiopia during this period. She underscored the importance of fostering cultural exchanges between the two nations while reflecting on their shared history.

Ambassador Fragoso also spoke about the growing influence of Portuguese worldwide, particularly in Africa. With an estimated 290 million speakers globally, Portuguese is one of the fastest-growing languages today. “Our engagement with Africa is especially significant as we witness rapid growth in Portuguese-speaking communities across the continent,” she noted.

Mellid-Monteiro delved into the literary significance of *Os Lusíadas*, describing its narrative style and historical context as pivotal in shaping Portugal’s national identity. Unlike many epics focused on conquest, *Os Lusíadas* celebrates exploration and discovery—a theme that resonates deeply with Portugal’s maritime history.

She emphasized how literature like Camões’ work serves as a bridge between cultures: “The power of Os Lusíadas lies not just in its poetic brilliance but in its ability to inspire pride in exploration while fostering connections across continents.”

The event concluded with reflections on how literature can unite cultures and celebrate shared histories. By honoring Luís de Camões and commemorating five centuries of Ethiopian-Portuguese ties, the celebration underscored the enduring power of storytelling to transcend boundaries.