About US
Learn more about Arba Minch Entertainment
Tesfahun Mergia
Tesfahun Mergia is the founder and director of Arba Minch Performing Arts and Circus (AMPAC). With a strong foundation in gymnastics coaching since 2011—including serving as head coach for the Gamo Zone Gymnastics Team in South Ethiopia—Tesfahun has dedicated his career to empowering youth through the performing arts.
He is also a passionate advocate for vulnerable children, using both AMPAC and his nonprofit organization, Bridges to Tomorrow, to provide opportunities in performance arts, entertainment, and child protection services.
Tesfahun holds a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainable Development from Arba Minch University and a Bachelor of Science in Rural Development and Family Science (RDFS) from Hawassa University.
A lifelong performer, Tesfahun began his circus journey at the age of 14 with Debub Nigat Circus in Hawassa. He has since played a vital role in the development of the circus arts in Ethiopia, serving as President and Chair of the South Ethiopia Circus Association and as a member of the Organizing Committee for the First Ethiopian Circus Festival held in 2023.
OUR VISION is to be a leading hub for performing arts in Ethiopia, fostering creativity and cultural exchange while empowering artists to showcase their talents on both local and international platforms, and empowering underprivileged individuals to be self-sufficient economically in developing their
performing talents.
Overview
Arba Minch Entertainment is a creative hub based in Arba Minch, Ethiopia. It focuses on promoting local culture through various forms of entertainment, including circus, puppet, music, dance, and theater. The company aims to showcase the rich artistic heritage of the region while fostering the development of local talent. Every effort is made to promote local talent from the underprivileged population, including the homeless, low-income, and disabled. By organizing events and providing platforms for performers, Arba Minch Entertainment contributes to the cultural landscape of the area and encourages community engagement through the arts. Our mission is to enrich the cultural landscape of the region by providing high-quality entertainment that engages, educates, and inspires audiences of all ages.
OUR CORE VALUES
At Arba Minch Entertainment, we are dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of our
community through the performing arts. Our focus on circus, dance, puppetry, music, and other
artistic expressions is guided by a set of core values that shape our mission and vision. Here’s
what we stand for:
Creativity and Innovation: We believe in the power of imagination to inspire and entertain. We foster an environment that encourages artistic innovation and experimentation.
Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and partnerships with local and international artists and organizations.
Inclusivity: We strive to make our performances and programs accessible to all, regardless of age, background, or ability.
Cultural Heritage: We celebrate and promote the rich cultural diversity of Ethiopia, integrating traditional art forms into our work.
Community Engagement: Art is most impactful when it brings people together. We actively engage with our community by collaborating with local artists, schools, and organizations.
Education and Development: We are passionate about nurturing future generations of artists and audiences. Through workshops, classes, and mentorship programs, we provide opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and knowledge in the performing arts.
Joy and Celebration: At the heart of our work is the belief in the joy that the performing arts bring. We are committed to creating experiences that uplift the spirit and ignite the imagination, allowing audiences to celebrate life through the beauty of performance.
Community Engagment
Arba Minch Entertainment actively engages with the local community through outreach programs, school performances, and partnerships with local artists. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing mentorship opportunities for aspiring performers.
