Artawi Gallery emerged from a growing need within Addis Ababa’s evolving art landscape: a dedicated space where photography could be exhibited, studied, and taken seriously as a contemporary art form. At a time when few institutions in the city considered photography worthy of exhibition, Artawi positioned itself as a response to that absence—an artist-run initiative that prioritizes experimentation, dialogue, and the visibility of emerging and established photographers.

Founded in late 2023 by two photographers, the gallery was established in an unfinished building in Bole, transforming a raw, under-construction space into Ethiopia’s first photography-centered gallery. Its existence has played a pivotal role in encouraging artists to create cohesive bodies of work, nurturing a culture of exhibiting that had long been missing in Addis. Many photographers in the city previously relied on online learning and social media circulation, resulting in fragmented approaches and limited opportunities to present their work in a professional context. Artawi positions itself at this intersection—bridging the gap between digital influence and thoughtful, long-form visual storytelling.

Education and resource-building are central to Artawi’s mission. The gallery hosts a growing photography library—now home to approximately 80 donated books—offering rare access to international publications that would otherwise be inaccessible in Ethiopia. This initiative aims to develop into the country’s first fully dedicated photography library, reinforcing the gallery’s commitment to long-term infrastructure for visual arts.

Beyond exhibitions, Artawi has become an active hub for community engagement through the Ethiopia Photo Community, an initiative offering mentorships, workshops, talks, and photo walks. These programs create continuity for photographers seeking structured guidance and a space to exchange ideas, contributing to a broader ecosystem of artistic support within the city.

In its first two years, Artawi has hosted over a dozen exhibitions across photography, painting, digital art, fashion, and mural-based practices, presenting the work of local and international artists. Its artist-run structure allows the gallery to operate independently of commercial constraints, prioritizing artistic conviction over market expectations. This approach keeps the space open to diverse forms of expression while maintaining photography as its core focus.

As Addis Ababa’s art scene continues to expand, Artawi aims to collaborate with various organizations to activate unconventional exhibition spaces, extending visibility for artists beyond the gallery walls. 

Today, Artawi stands as both a gallery and a cultural engine: a place where artists, audiences, and ideas converge. Its commitment lies in strengthening the foundations of photography in Ethiopia, cultivating a community around visual practice, and contributing to a more accessible and dynamic future for the arts. The gallery continues to grow with a clear dedication to creating opportunity, building knowledge, and expanding the space for contemporary artistic expression in Addis Ababa.