Drawing a New Narrative: Lines of Change

Cartooning has long been a powerful medium for addressing societal issues, cultural trends, and human behavior. Blending visual storytelling with humor and critique, cartoons deliver messages with clarity and impact. Across Africa, this art form is evolving into a platform that bridges cultures, advocates for change, and inspires creativity.

One of the rising stars in this movement is 28-year-old Betelhem Samson, a self-taught cartoonist from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Her journey from a young dreamer to a recognized artist highlights the transformative power of perseverance and creativity.

Betelhem’s Inspiring Journey

Betelhem graduated in 2018 with a degree in architecture from Addis Ababa University’s Faculty of Science and Technology. That same year, she earned a certificate in graphic design from Berhanena Selam Printing Technology College. She credits her architectural training for sharpening her attention to detail and refining her sketching abilities, skills that have guided her artistic career.

For the past three years, Betelhem has worked as a graphic designer and digital artist at the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), leading the Creative Consult Team. However, her passion for cartooning started long before her professional career.

A Self-Taught Artist

From the age of 12, Betelhem was captivated by the world of cartoons and sketches. However, the absence of art schools in Bahir Dar presented a major obstacle. “There wasn’t a single art school in my hometown. This was the biggest challenge I faced growing up while pursuing my dream of becoming a professional cartoonist,” Betelhem shared.

Undeterred, she taught herself to draw and embraced digital tools to create art, honing her skills through years of practice. Her determination has paid off, earning her international recognition.

This year, Betelhem was selected as one of 15 cartoonists—five of whom are women—out of 121 participants from Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to join the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) Cartoonist Residency Program. Held from December 9 to 19 in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu, the program provided a platform for artists to explore African narratives through visual storytelling.

Merging Art and Culture

One of Betelhem’s standout submissions for the program was a critique of self-serving philanthropy. Her illustration depicted a government official inserting a coin engraved with “1% donation” into a slot, with the coin reflecting the official’s face—a subtle yet impactful commentary on ego-driven charity.

Another piece celebrated Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing “Tsenatsel,” a ceremonial instrument central to Ethiopian Orthodox Church rituals. Betelhem’s unique approach blends traditional themes with modern digital artistry, reflecting her commitment to preserving cultural narratives while embracing contemporary methods.

Empowering Artists and Driving Cultural Advocacy

The CfCA program aims to inspire African governments to allocate at least 1% of their national budgets to arts, culture, and heritage by 2030. Central to this initiative is an exhibition featuring works by all participants, highlighting their creative contributions and the broader cultural significance of their art.

Throughout the residency, artists had opportunities to refine their skills, engage in cultural exchanges, and interact with mentors and industry professionals. Samuel Mulugeta, country director for Selam Ethiopia, emphasized the program’s dual focus on artistic growth and cultural advocacy. “The cartoonists have produced original works reflecting their experiences and the state of the arts sector,” Samuel said.

Building Bridges and Inspiring Change

For Betelhem, the CfCA program has been transformative. The access to advanced digital tools and new techniques has elevated her artistry, enabling her to blend traditional cartooning with modern methods to address social issues in Ethiopia. “The knowledge I’ve gained from representatives of the five participating countries and professionals will help me improve my productivity using the new software provided through this initiative,” she said.

The artists in the program aim to use their talents to foster cultural preservation and advocate for social change. Betelhem envisions her work as a tool to simplify and communicate complex societal issues, resonating with Ethiopian audiences. The CfCA initiative not only celebrates individual achievements but also underscores the immense potential of arts and culture to drive development across Africa.

Betelhem and her peers are charting a bold path forward. Their work reminds us of the power of creativity in shaping narratives and inspiring meaningful change.