Mekelle University Arts Academy Partners with Venice University to Enhance Creative Industries and Academic Excellence

In a significant step toward international academic collaboration, the Mekelle University (MU) Arts Academy held a high-level consultative meeting today, 18th January 2026, with a distinguished delegation from Venice University, Italy. 

The deliberations, focused on fostering mutual growth and academic innovation, were led by Professor Dominica on behalf of the Italian delegation. During the session, both institutions explored strategic avenues to bridge the gap between traditional arts education and sustainable career pathways in the global creative economy.

The meeting culminated in the identification of three primary pillars for immediate collaboration:

Joint Cultural Initiatives: The establishment of a dedicated collaborative Cultural Center designed to host joint artistic projects and international exhibitions.

Cultural Mapping: A comprehensive joint initiative to map the region’s unique cultural identity, aimed at professionalizing the local creative sector and creating sustainable employment.

Academic Advancement: The introduction of PhD scholarship opportunities and the development of specialized postgraduate curricula, with a primary focus on Fashion and Design. 

Professor Dominica expressed a profound interest in the unique artistic heritage of the MU Arts Academy, noting that a partnership would yield significant benefits for both Ethiopian and Italian scholars. 

Following the productive dialogue, both parties reached a formal agreement to begin the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This legal framework will serve to translate the identified objectives into actionable, long-term programs.