Moroccan Government Increases Theatre Grants, Links Funding to Results

Rabat – In a move to restructure public support for the theater sector, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid unveiled a draft amendment to the joint decree on cultural and artistic projects, prioritizing quality and professionalism.

Significant funding boosts 

A key feature of the amendment is the clear increase in funding ceilings across various areas. 

According to a comparative table between the previous joint decree and the proposed changes, the increases cover production and promotion of theatrical works, with the ceiling rising from MAD 200,000 to MAD 300,000. 

Support for resident theater companies has also increased, from MAD 700,000 to MAD 800,000.

National theater tours will now receive up to MAD 300,000, up from MAD 200,000. Artist residencies and writing workshops have been increased from MAD 50,000 to MAD 60,000. 

For festivals and events, the ceiling is set at MAD 150,000 for domestic festivals and MAD 100,000 for participation in events abroad.

Easier disbursement and stricter oversight

Responding to professionals’ demands, the draft introduces major changes in grant disbursement to reduce pre-financing pressures. 

Notably, the first installment will now provide companies with 50% of the total grant upon signing the contract (up from 40%), ensuring sufficient initial liquidity to begin work. 

Remaining payments (20% then 30%) will be linked to results, disbursed based on submitted performances and fulfillment of obligations to participants.

The draft also requires companies to submit a financial report certified by a licensed accountant, ensuring strict oversight of public funds.

Strict criteria to ensure expertise

The amendment addresses legal and organizational standards, requiring theatre companies to have been active for at least five years to qualify. 

It emphasizes specialization, particularly in directing, scenography, and acting, and mandates certified contracts for all project staff.

To enhance transparency, the draft specifies compensation of MAD 25,000 per committee member per evaluation cycle, with additional allowances for members of the administrative committee.

This initiative reflects the Ministry’s ambition to balance support for emerging talents with the stability of institutional theatre companies. 

The ultimate test will be whether these additional financial resources translate into improved quality and greater diversity in Moroccan theatrical creativity.