The Role of Art in Africa in the Menu of Third Annual Fez Gathering

Rabat – The third annual “Fez Gathering” kicked off January 11 in Fez Medina.

The four days event is initiated by a network of Moroccan artists based in Fez, who seek to bring together researchers and artists from around the world to “explore the role and potential of the arts in a modern world.”

Themed “Africa for the Africans,” the event aspires to debate around the role of arts in Africa, and whether the arts can lead to new social, regional and national policies.

The artistic expressions to be discussed during the gathering are “Photography and Documentary Films in Africa,” “Sufism, Religion, Rituals and Their Artistic Expressions in Africa,” “Contemporary Art in Africa” and “Language Exchange in Africa.”

Organized in partnership with the French Institute of Fez, the Regional Council of Tourism, Fez American Language Center and Cervantes Institute, this event will see the organization of conferences, exhibitions and music concerts.

The event’s organizers see that “like Fez, Morocco today assumes a role of modern bridge between countries, continents, politics and cultures.”

“The development, history, arts and culture of Fez and Morocco are inseparable from those of other countries in Africa, the Mediterranean and Southern Europe,” Chennafi said, adding that “constant interaction is essential for mutual development.”

Among the artists invited to participate are art curator, Yvon Langue and photographer M’hammed Kilito, whose past projects have focused on the identifying hallmarks of daily Moroccan life.

Also on the roster is artist and Islamic calligrapher Mohamed Charkaoui, visual artist Mohamed Arejdal, and Professor at Université Internationale de Rabat, Meriem El Haitami.