Rabat – Morocco’s capital city is once again becoming adorned with over two hundred murals, as it hosts the ninth edition of the “Jidar-Rabat Street Art Festival”, welcoming artists from around the globe. The festival, which kicked off on April 18 and will run until April 25, will feature twelve city facades that will transform into canvases for a blend of abstract and hyper realistic artworks.
Since its establishment in 2015, Jidar has attracted prominent figures in both national and international muralism, transforming the capital with approximately a hundred vibrant frescoes.
For this edition, an eclectic mix of international and local talent promises to bring a vibrant array of artistic styles and cultural influences to the walls of Rabat.
The lineup includes renowned artists from around the world, including Alexis Diaz from Puerto Rico, Nespoon from Poland, Kartelovic from Germany, Facio from Argentina, HNRX from Austria, Fikos from Greece, Kaori Izumiya from Japan and Luogo Comune from Italy.
The festival also proudly features local young Moroccan artists, including Normal, Majda Jarbili, Houssam El Ghallal, and Acoby.
In an exclusive interview with Morocco World News, Salah Malouli, the artistic director of the Jidar Festival, discussed the program and emphasized the importance of the collective mural in nurturing young artists to potentially take part in future editions.
“Alongside the murals, we organize a collective mural—an integral part of our festival. This activity holds significant importance as it nurtures the next generation of artists. For instance, Ayoub, Houssam, and Majda, participants this year, have all contributed to past collective murals,” he stated.
This year, Jidar is launching a novel event titled “OUT/IN,” which, according to the organizers, is aimed to bridge the gap between the intimate atmosphere of an art gallery and the bustling world of urban street art, in order to deepen its engagement in the field.
Headed up by Spanish artist Txemy, the “OUT/IN” event comprises three components; a live mural painting session, an artist meet-and-greet, and an exhibition showcasing small-format paintings at Atelier Ambigu.
“We debut a new experience, transforming murals into gallery exhibitions. This inaugural exhibition marks a significant step in bridging street art with gallery culture,” Malouli elaborates to MWN. He continued, “We envision this concept becoming a recurring feature in future editions, fostering deeper connections between street art and traditional art spaces.”
In line with its commitment to fostering community interaction, the Jidar Street Art Festival has introduced the Jidar Talks, offering a unique opportunity for both artists and the public to come together in a welcoming environment.
This initiative provides the residents of Rabat with an exceptional chance to engage directly with prominent figures in the national and international street art scene, scheduled on April 26 and 27 at the Mohammed VI Museum.
At the heart of the Jidar Festival‘s remarkable success lies a dedication to nurturing a thriving local art scene within a sustainable framework. This achievement is the result of extensive and patient efforts aimed at fostering a community deeply rooted in its artistic expression.
According to the organizers, Jidar’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond a mere artistic showcase; it encompasses a holistic approach aimed at creating an enduring legacy. By providing a platform for street artists to unleash their creativity, Jidar not only empowers these artists but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for street art among the audience.
