IMA president promotes Moroccan cultural ties during Rabat-Casablanca tour
Anne-Claire Legendre, President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), embarked on an official visit to Morocco last month, marking her first trip to the country in her current role. The three-day tour, which spanned from Rabat to Casablanca and Marrakech, underscored the deepening cultural and diplomatic collaboration between Morocco and France.
During a press conference at the French Institute in Casablanca, Legendre emphasized Morocco’s pivotal role as a founding member of the IMA since 1982 and a trusted partner in showcasing the kingdom’s cultural heritage. The visit coincided with a packed Franco-Moroccan diplomatic calendar, including high-level talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita about the IMA’s role in bilateral relations ahead of a summit between both nations’ prime ministers scheduled for July 2026 and a potential return state visit by King Mohammed VI to France.
Cultural and academic exchanges take center stage
The itinerary kicked off in Rabat with a working session with Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The delegation then explored the Chellah archaeological site and visited the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP), where Legendre highlighted the importance of showcasing Morocco’s archaeological advancements to a wider European audience.
In Casablanca, Legendre met with leaders from the National Archives, Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Superior Institute of Music and Choreographic Arts (INSMAC). A key highlight was a discussion with Fihr Kettani, president of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants, focusing on the growth of Morocco’s gaming and animation sector—one of the most dynamic in the Arab world.
The visit concluded in Marrakech with meetings with prominent figures like 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 tour wrapped up with the inauguration of the Casablanca Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, attended by Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Federation of Museums.
Archaeology, photography, and literature: strengthening cultural bridges
Legendre underscored the need to elevate Morocco’s archaeological research, citing discoveries at Volubilis, Banassa, and sites linked to the Phoenicians and rock art that have reshaped understandings of early human development. With the IMA’s vast photographic archive—containing 86,000 images, many documenting Morocco—Legendre expressed her commitment to sharing these resources with Moroccan partners.
Language and literature also featured prominently in the discussions. Legendre announced plans to expand Arabic language education in France and collaborate with Moroccan counterparts to translate and promote contemporary Arabic and Moroccan literature, particularly in light of Rabat being named Arabic Book Capital for 2026. She noted a gap in French publishers’ engagement with modern Arabic literature.
The IMA’s upcoming exhibitions in late 2026—“Long Live the Bride!”, exploring Moroccan wedding traditions, and a showcase on the Alhambra’s influence on Moroccan art and architecture—reflect this renewed cultural focus.
A roadmap for future collaboration
Legendre revealed that a draft cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco had already been submitted, with this visit aimed at finalizing it with measurable goals. The roadmap aligns with key bilateral milestones, including the July 2026 prime ministerial meeting. As the IMA prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027 alongside a major museum overhaul, this partnership signals a new chapter in cultural diplomacy.
