Fendika Cultural Center
Established by Ethiopian dancer Melaku Belay, the Fendika Cultural Center offers classes, workshops, art exhibits, and cultural activities, beginning with displays of local painters and monthly poetry readings. Fendika also offers a small menu of Ethiopian cuisine. Future plans include a regular Ethiopian coffee ceremony as an introduction to one of the most important cultural products of the country and a recording studio where traditional music can be recorded and archival recordings preserved.
A 2023 grant from the Cultures of Resistance Network helped cover legal fees to appeal their eviction.
A 2017 grant from the Cultures of Resistance Network supported space rental, event promotion, purchase of sound equipment, artist stipends, and event costs at the Fendika Cultural Center.
In addition to support from the Cultures of Resistance Network, director iara lee arranged an outside grant for the Fendika Cultural Center in 2022, which supported a number of projects, including organizing the annual street festival, Filega, within the context of Timket; a monthly children’s arts program; Fendika’s art gallery, which opens a new exhibition each month; offering free rehearsal space to young artists and bands; and hosting weekly concerts.
Website: fendika.org
