IMA president’s official visit to Morocco strengthens cultural ties
Anne-Claire Legendre made it clear from the outset during her press briefing at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22: this marks her first official visit to Morocco in her role as president of the Arab World Institute (IMA). Morocco, a founding member of the IMA since 1982, stands out as a trusted partner with whom the institution has long collaborated to celebrate the Kingdom’s cultural richness and heritage.
The visit unfolds against a backdrop of a packed Franco-Moroccan diplomatic agenda. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre discussed the IMA’s role in bilateral relations, aligning with a scheduled meeting of the two governments in July 2026 and the preparations for King Mohammed VI’s return state visit to France. The IMA is determined to reinforce this renewed partnership dynamic.
Her itinerary 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 Sciences and Heritage (INSAP). In Casablanca, a gathering at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco brought together leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Higher Institute of Music and Dance (INSMAC). She also met Fihr Kettani, president of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants. The visit concluded in Marrakech with meetings featuring prominent figures from both Moroccan and international art scenes, including 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 trip wrapped up in Casablanca with the inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, attended by Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Federation of Museums.
Archaeology: showcasing Moroccan research in Paris
Archaeology took center stage in the discussions. Legendre described her visit to the INSAP as an opportunity to “understand the trajectory of Moroccan archaeology”. The institute now trains over 170 students and collaborates with French entities such as Inrap, CNRS, the Collège de France, and ENS. The IMA’s focus, she emphasized, is not on training—already well-established in Morocco—but on highlighting research. She pointed out that groundbreaking discoveries in sites like Volubilis, Banassa, Phoenician influences, rock art, and revised dating of Homo sapiens development remain largely unknown to the European public. Legendre announced plans to “explore with her team upon return” the possibility of organizing an exhibition in Paris dedicated to Arab world archaeology.
On the subject of cultural and creative industries (CCI), she noted that Morocco and Saudi Arabia are the Arab world’s most visible leaders in gaming and animation. The IMA is set to contribute to the upcoming Esports World Cup in France, a project requested by Saudi Arabia, aligning with the IMA’s museum renovation starting in 2027, which will feature immersive and gamified experiences.
Legendre also unveiled plans for three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art, to be presented alongside major Parisian events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. These prizes will offer residencies, exhibitions, and professional mentorship in France for emerging Arab creators. The need for artistic residencies linked to the IMA’s network in France or the Arab world was a recurring theme in discussions with young Moroccan artists during her visit.
Photography, books, and the Arabic language
The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca marks the fruition of a partnership discussed in earlier meetings with Mehdi Qotbi. This collaboration leverages the IMA’s photothèque, which houses 86,000 photographs, including a significant collection documenting Morocco through multiple photographic campaigns. Legendre expressed her intention to “share this resource with Moroccan partners”.
The topic of books and the Arabic language was also prominently addressed. Legendre aims to expand Arabic language instruction in France. She announced that the IMA will work with Moroccan partners to identify works from the young Arab and Moroccan literary scene, facilitating their translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This initiative aligns with Rabat’s designation as the 2026 Arab Book Capital. She highlighted a “lack of visibility” among French publishers in seeking and promoting contemporary Arab literature.
Two major exhibitions are slated for the IMA’s second half of 2026. The first, titled “Long Live the Bride!”, will explore wedding traditions and objects across Morocco’s regions, including their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the grandeur of the Alhambra during the Nasrid era and its influence on Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship, and contemporary art.
The entire visit underscores efforts to finalize a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a preliminary draft has already been submitted and that her trip aimed to “finalize” this document with specific, measurable goals. The roadmap will align with key bilateral milestones, beginning with the intergovernmental meeting scheduled for July 2026. As the IMA prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027—a year that will also see the launch of its museum renovation—the institution is entering a phase of renewal and strategic alignment.
