“Landmarks of New York” Photo Exhibition Opens in Addis Ababa City Hall

A photo exhibition entitled “Landmarks of New York” organized by the U.S. Embassy opened at the Theater Exhibition Hall of Addis Ababa City Administration on January 11, 2007.  Over 75 people attended the opening event including the Mayor of Addis Ababa, Ato Berhanu Deressa.  Dr. Rosemary Curran, Fulbright scholar at Addis Ababa University, presented a personal view of New York City.  Cultural Affairs Specialist Yohannes Birhanu discussed the four projects which the U.S. Embassy has assisted through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). 

Addis Woubet, an Ethiopian NGO dedicated to preserving the historic landmarks of Addis Ababa, gave a power point presentation on their visions for preserving the cultural landmarks of Addis Ababa. Cultural Affairs Officer Patricia Johnson discussed the recent history of the cultural preservation in the US.  Following the presentations, Mayor Berhanu asked to speak on New York City, as he, too, considered himself a New Yorker.

The attendees expressed pleasure with the knowledge that Addis Ababa, too, had cultural landmarks worth preserving that showed Addis Ababa’s and Ethiopia’s development as a capital city and modern nation.  They were also pleased to learn about US efforts through the AFCP to support the preservation of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. 

In his speech, Mayor Berhanu pledged support to Addis Woubet for its efforts to preserve the cultural patrimony of Addis Ababa.  He said that Addis Woubet had a sympathetic ear in the City Administration for its preservation projects.  According to the Mayor, Addis Ababa could, by itself, become a tourist destination, not just a jumping off point for other tourist destinations in Ethiopia.  Attendees included guests from government and non-government organizations, cultural establishments, universities and other educational institutions.

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