The Zoma Contemporary Art Center (ZCAC) is an environmentally conscious artist-in-residency project with locations in Addis Ababa and Harla, a historical village near Dire Dawa in Ethiopia.

The idea for the project, which was developed by the artist Elias Sime, was first introduced to the public in 2002 during the art happening “Giziawi #1” in Addis Ababa. The focus of ZCAC’s work is the promotion of multidisciplinary contemporary art, international exchange between artists, and the conception and implementation of sustainable, innovative, and environmentally conscious art projects. With its residency programs designed around different themes (architecture, landscape design, art, documentary film, and education), ZCAC provides Ethiopian and international artists the opportunity to live in harmony with nature, develop new forms of artistic expression, experiment with new techniques and materials, and to find alternative, artistic, and creative solutions to current environmental problems. Another important component of ZCAC’s activities is the establishment of an ongoing educational program with international partner institutions. Since 2002, the center has been regularly hosting educational events, such as workshops at the School of Fine Arts with renowned artists such as David Hammons from New York and Ernesto Novelo from Mexico. With the support of Alliance éthio-française and the British Council, ZCAC has also collaborated with the International Association of Art Critics.

http://zcac.net/