IMA president’s Morocco visit strengthens cultural ties and heritage projects

Anne-Claire Legendre made a clear statement during her press conference at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22: this was her first official visit to Morocco as President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA). Morocco, a founding member of the IMA since 1982, stands as a trusted partner, with whom the institution has long collaborated to highlight the Kingdom’s cultural riches and heritage.

The visit aligns with a busy Franco-Moroccan diplomatic calendar. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, the IMA president discussed the role of the IMA in strengthening bilateral relations, just months before the scheduled July 2026 meeting of the two heads of government and the anticipated return state visit of King Mohammed VI to France. The IMA aims to actively contribute to this renewed partnership.

The itinerary began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The program continued with a tour of the Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological and Heritage Sciences (INSAP). In Casablanca, a roundtable at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco brought together leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Higher Institute of Music and Choreographic Arts (INSMAC). The visit also included a meeting with Fihr Kettani, Chair of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants.

The journey concluded in Marrakech with discussions with key figures in both national and international artistic circles, including Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s first pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and Alexis Sornin, Director of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Arts Museums. The trip wrapped up in Casablanca with the inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, attended by Mehdi Qotbi, Chair of the National Federation of Museums.

Archaeology: spotlighting Moroccan research in Paris

At the press conference, archaeology emerged as a central focus. Legendre described her visit to the INSAP as a chance to explore the trajectory of Moroccan archaeology. The institute, which trains over 170 students, collaborates with French institutions such as Inrap, CNRS, the Collège de France, and ENS. The IMA’s role, she emphasized, isn’t about training—already well-established in Morocco—but about showcasing research. She noted that groundbreaking Moroccan archaeological discoveries, from Volubilis to Banassa, Phoenician influences, rock art, and findings that revised the timeline of Homo sapiens development, remain largely underrecognized in Europe. The IMA plans to develop an exhibition dedicated to Arab world archaeology in Paris upon its return.

Cultural and creative industries: gaming, design, and emerging talent

Legendre highlighted Morocco and Saudi Arabia as the two most prominent Arab countries in the video game and animation sector. She confirmed that the IMA will support France’s hosting of the Esports World Cup, requested by Saudi Arabia, and that this initiative ties into the planned 2027 redesign of the IMA museum, which will feature immersive and gamified experiences. To further nurture talent, she announced the creation of three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art. Winners will be selected through contests and offered residencies, exhibitions, and professional mentorship in France during major events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. The need for artist residencies connected to the IMA’s network in France and the Arab world was a recurring theme during discussions with young Moroccan creators.

Photography, literature, and the Arabic language

The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca marks the realization of a partnership first discussed during an earlier meeting with Mehdi Qotbi. This collaboration leverages the IMA’s photothèque, which holds 86,000 photographs, including a significant collection documenting Morocco through multiple photographic campaigns. Legendre expressed her intention to share this resource with Moroccan partners.

The role of books and the Arabic language was also a priority. Legendre stressed the need to expand Arabic language education in France and announced that the IMA will collaborate with Moroccan partners to identify works by young Arab and Moroccan authors for translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This effort aligns with Rabat’s designation as Arab Book Capital for 2026, a role that highlights a gap in visibility for contemporary Arab literature among French publishers.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, the IMA has announced two major exhibitions. The first, titled Vive la mariée!, will explore marriage rituals and objects across Morocco’s regions, including their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the splendor of the Alhambra during the Nasrid period and its influence on Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship, and contemporary art.

The visit culminated in finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a draft proposal had already been submitted and that the trip aimed to finalize this document with measurable goals. The roadmap will align with key bilateral milestones, including the July 2026 heads-of-government meeting. As the IMA prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027—a year that will also see the launch of its museum redesign—the institution is poised for a new phase of growth and collaboration.