Cultural Ambassador Award 2025/26
Celebrating Ethiopia's culture with traditional dance,traditional instruments, traditional music, poetry.
Where tradition meets digital creativity.
About the Initiative
Ethiopia holds a deep cultural beauty music, dance, poetry, storytelling, traditional instruments and digital creativity. The ABN Studio Cultural Ambassador Award is a national program designed to identify, elevate, and empower talented young creators, giving them a platform to showcase their art to Ethiopia and the world.
We celebrate youth who preserve culture while innovating through digital media, performance, literature and creative expression. The goal is to build a new generation of Cultural Ambassador who will inspire pride and lead Ethiopia's cultural future.
What We Stand For
We empower cultural youth through creativity, mentorship & visibility. Our mission is built on four pillars:
Recognition of Talent & Excellence
Cultural Heritage + Digital Innovation
Empowerment & Capacity Building
National & International Visibility
Award Categories
Youth creators may compete in four major disciplines:
Traditional Dance
This category celebrates performers who bring Ethiopia's traditional dances to life with authenticity, skill, and emotional power. Entries should reflect the unique movement styles, cultural expressions, and regional identities embedded in Ethiopia's diverse dance heritage.
Traditional Music
This award honors outstanding musicians who preserve and elevate Ethiopia's cultural soundscape through traditional melodies, rhythms, and vocal styles. Performances should showcase cultural authenticity, strong musicality, and a deep respect for the roots of Ethiopian music.
Traditional Instruments
This category recognizes mastery of Ethiopia's iconic traditional instruments — such as the Masinko, Begena, Washint, Kirar, and Kebero and others. Entries should highlight technical skill, tone quality, cultural accuracy, and the instrument's ability to communicate emotion and heritage.
Traditional Poetry (Qiné, Wax & Gold, Spoken Traditions)
This award celebrates the poetic voices who carry forward Ethiopia's oral traditions — from Qiné and "Wax & Gold" (Sem Ena Werq) to folk storytelling and rhythmic spoken art. Entries must reflect linguistic creativity, cultural depth, layered meaning, and strong delivery.
Objectives
The ABN Studio Cultural Ambassador initiative is designed to empower Ethiopia’s youth by providing a platform that recognizes creativity, innovation, cultural excellence and support. The objectives focus on celebrating talent, promoting national and international visibility, building capacity, and fostering the integration of traditional arts with modern digital technologies. Through these objectives, the program aims to create a sustainable network of young leaders who serve as advocates and role models for Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
- ✔Honor young individuals and groups demonstrating creativity, innovation, and social impact.
- ✔Amplify the voices of Ethiopia’s creative youth through media, digital platforms, and public engagement.
- ✔Offer mentorship, training, and workshops to strengthen artistic skills and digital innovation.
- ✔Encourage the integration of traditional Ethiopian arts with modern technologies to preserve heritage and inspire creativity.
- ✔Establish a community of Cultural Ambassador who serve as role models, advocates, and leaders for Ethiopian culture.
Expected Outcomes & Impacts
Recognition of Talent & Creativity
Youth creatives gain formal acknowledgment for their artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural contribution.
Awardees are celebrated nationally and internationally, inspiring peers and emerging artists.
Capacity Building & Skills Development
Participants acquire enhanced skills in performing arts, digital innovation, creative expression, and cultural leadership.
Mentorship and workshops strengthen professional growth and open pathways to career opportunities.
Cultural Preservation & Innovation
Traditional Ethiopian arts, music, dance, literature, and instruments are preserved and promoted.
Integration of modern digital techniques encourages innovative expression while respecting heritage.
National & International Visibility
Participants’ work is amplified through ABN Studio platforms, media coverage, cultural events, and digital channels.
Ethiopia’s creative youth gain recognition as ambassador of the nation’s artistic and cultural excellence.
Sustainable Network of Ambassador
A lasting community of young leaders is established, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and ongoing cultural initiatives.
Ambassador serve as advocates for Ethiopian culture, inspiring social impact and youth participation in the arts.
Societal & Economic Impact
Promotion of cultural arts contributes to social cohesion, national pride, and community engagement.
Creative and digital innovation provides pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and cultural tourism opportunities.
Program Benefits
Winners receive:
Package rewards & Certificate of Excellence
Media exposure and national visibility
Mentorship, workshops & growth opportunities
Networking with industry leaders & institutions
About ABN Studio
ABN Studio is a leading creative hub in Ethiopia, dedicated to empowering youth, promoting cultural excellence, and fostering innovation across the arts. As a sister company of Abyssinia Business Network (ABN) Magazine and Africa for Africans, ABN Studio leverages a strong media and cultural network to provide artists, performers, writers, and innovators with opportunities to showcase their talents, develop professionally, and reach national and international audiences.
The studio operates with the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring all creative projects meet international benchmarks in production quality, digital media, and cultural presentation. ABN Studio specializes in a wide range of services, including: Through initiatives such as the ABN Studio Cultural Ambassador Award, the studio blends traditional Ethiopian heritage with modern digital technologies, creating platforms that celebrate culture, encourage innovation, and amplify the voices of Ethiopia’s creative youth. ABN Studio is committed to nurturing cultural leaders and ambassador , inspiring creativity, innovation, and pride in Ethiopia’s rich artistic legacy.
