Anne-Claire Legendre charts new cultural ties between IMA and Morocco

Anne-Claire Legendre made her priorities clear from the outset during a press briefing at the French Institute in Casablanca on Monday, June 22. This marked her first official visit to Morocco in her capacity as President of the Arab World Institute (IMA). Recognizing the Kingdom’s significance, she emphasized that Morocco—an IMA founding member since 1982—serves as a trusted partner in promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The visit aligns with a busy Franco-Moroccan diplomatic agenda. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre highlighted the crucial role of the IMA in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly ahead of the joint government meeting scheduled for July 2026 and the anticipated return state visit of King Mohammed VI to France. The IMA intends to actively contribute to this renewed partnership.

Her agenda began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Youth, Culture, and Communication Minister Mehdi Bensaid. This was followed by a tour of the Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological and Heritage Sciences (INSAP). In Casablanca, a gathering at the National Library brought together leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Superior Institute of Music and Choreography (INSMAC). She also engaged with Fihr Kettani, Chairman of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants. The trip concluded in Marrakech with meetings with prominent figures such as 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 final stop was the inauguration of the Photography and Visual Arts Museum in Casablanca, attended by Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Federation of Museums.

Archaeology: spotlighting Moroccan research in Paris

The IMA President underscored archaeology as a cornerstone of cooperation. Her visit to INSAP was framed as an opportunity to assess Morocco’s archaeological advancements. The institute, which trains over 170 students annually, collaborates with French institutions including Inrap, CNRS, the Collège de France, and ENS. Legendre stressed that while Morocco’s training infrastructure is well-established, the focus now lies on showcasing research breakthroughs—such as discoveries at Volubilis, Banassa, and Phoenician sites, as well as rock art findings that redefine early human development. She announced plans to develop an exhibition dedicated to Arab archaeology at the IMA’s Paris headquarters upon her return.

Cultural and creative industries: gaming and digital innovation

Legendre noted Morocco and Saudi Arabia as the most prominent Arab players in gaming and animation. She revealed that the IMA will support France’s hosting of the Esports World Cup at the request of Saudi Arabia, aligning with plans to revamp the IMA museum in 2027 through immersive and gamified experiences. To nurture emerging talent, she unveiled three annual awards—fashion, design, and contemporary art—linked to Paris Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. Winners will gain access to residencies, exhibitions, and professional mentorship in France, addressing a recurring demand from Moroccan creators during her visit.

Photography, literature, and the Arabic language

The inauguration of the Photography and Visual Arts Museum in Casablanca reflected a deepening collaboration with Mehdi Qotbi. This partnership leverages the IMA’s photothèque, home to 86,000 images, including extensive documentation of Morocco. Legendre expressed her intention to share these resources with Moroccan partners.

Addressing the promotion of Arabic language and literature, she called for expanding Arabic language education in France. The IMA will collaborate with Moroccan partners to identify and translate contemporary Arab and Moroccan literary works for French and European publishers—particularly timely as Rabat takes on the role of Arab Capital of Culture in 2026. Legendre cited a gap in visibility among French publishers when it comes to contemporary Arabic literature.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, two major IMA exhibitions are in development. The first, titled ‘Long Live the Bride!’, will explore Moroccan wedding traditions across regions and their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the legacy of the Alhambra’s Nasrid era, examining 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, with this trip aimed at finalizing concrete, quantifiable objectives. The roadmap will prioritize key bilateral milestones, including the July 2026 government meeting. As the IMA approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027—alongside a museum overhaul—it stands at the forefront of a transformative phase in Franco-Moroccan cultural diplomacy.