Cultural cooperation between IMA and Morocco to be strengthened during official visit

Strengthening cultural ties: a six-day official mission in Morocco

Anne-Claire Legendre, newly appointed president of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), will embark on an official visit to Morocco from June 19 to 24, 2026. Invited by Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, this trip marks her first official engagement in the Kingdom since taking office in February 2026.

The primary objective of this six-day journey is to finalize a shared cultural roadmap between the IMA and Morocco, building on months of prior discussions. The itinerary includes stops in Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech, where Legendre will meet with cultural institutions, foundations and key figures from Morocco’s creative sectors.

From Paris to Rabat: a dialogue in motion

This visit follows a productive meeting in Paris, where Bensaid and Legendre laid the groundwork for collaboration. Their discussions centered on emerging cultural sectors, including animation, comics, Arabic-language publishing and cinema. These areas are poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening Franco-Moroccan cultural ties.

Legendre’s itinerary reflects a broader trend in bilateral relations. Bensaid has linked this cultural momentum to the renewed momentum in France-Morocco relations, particularly since the state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Morocco.

Legendre’s leadership at the IMA

Anne-Claire Legendre assumed leadership of the IMA on February 17, 2026, succeeding Jack Lang, who had held the position for 13 years. As the first woman to lead the institution since its creation in 1980, her presidency signals a new chapter for the IMA. Prior to this role, she served as Advisor to the French President for North Africa and the Middle East, a position she left to join the IMA.

A foundation rooted in dialogue

The IMA, established on February 28, 1980, under the auspices of the Arab League, was conceived as a bridge between France, Europe and the Arab world. Morocco is one of 19 Arab states that contributed to its founding, alongside France, reinforcing its role as a hub for cultural exchange.

This visit to Morocco is part of a wider effort to deepen collaboration. In March 2026, Legendre met with Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Foundation of Museums, to explore partnership opportunities. Qotbi highlighted the significance of this initiative within the framework of the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership between Morocco and France, driven by the vision of King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron.

The upcoming visit aims to translate these discussions into tangible actions, fostering a lasting cultural alliance between the two nations.