With the objective of supporting Ethiopia’s fashion industry, British Council Arts Program in collaboration with Creative Hub Ethiopia, Fashion Scout (UK), and Marigat Gold (Kenya) announced its latest initiative, Creative DNA: Ethiopia.
Creative DNA Ethiopia aims to support early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises in Ethiopia, according to the press statement from the organizers. An open call was out inviting creatives to submit an application and we received 150 applications out of those ten Ethiopian-based early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises were selected to be part of the Creative DNA: Ethiopia Program.
The Program provides business incubation support to the selected designers, offering them the opportunity to develop their business skills, strengthen their networks, and gain market opportunities in Ethiopia and the UK. Creative DNA: Ethiopia is part of the SSA Arts Creative Economy Program, which supports the creation of new art and fosters partnerships between the creative sectors of the UK and East Africa. The Program is committed to promoting innovation, creativity, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
“We are excited to launch Creative DNA: Ethiopia. We believe that this Program provides valuable support to early-stage fashion and accessory enterprises in Ethiopia, promoting innovation and creativity while fostering partnerships between the UK and East Africa,” said Temesgen Feseha, Manager of Creative Hub Ethiopia.
“The Creative DNA Program is essential to the African fashion ecosystem. Besides providing support to young fashion enterprises through its business incubator, it helps to unlock the potential of a continent rich in creativity and talent, and gives voice to a new generation of designers who can shape the narrative of African fashion for years to come,” said Silvia Tonui, Director at Marigat Gold.
The fashion enterprises will participate in digital coaching sessions, co-create online campaigns, and receive market opportunities, all designed to promote alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system. The Program is committed to demonstrating that the fashion sector in Ethiopia is a professional choice for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy.
“Fashion Scout is delighted to be the UK partner for Creative DNA: Ethiopia. The quality of designers that have applied has been of the highest level. As one of the world’s leading fashion platforms, we have long admired the fashion talents in Ethiopia and look forward to working with them in building sustainable businesses. Our team of experts will offer them an international approach that has proven successful in other countries around the globe,” said Martyn Roberts, Creative Director at Fashion Scout.