An agreement outlining an intended collaboration between Morocco’s Fondation Nationale des Musées (FNM) and the Île-de-France Region was signed on Monday at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat.
Signed by FNM President Mehdi Qotbi and Île-de-France Regional Council President Valérie Pécresse, the accord details the plans for an important initial Mediterranean exhibit set to open alongside the inauguration of the Cité de la Culture Africaine – Musée du Continent.
After their initial partnership, both sides have pledged to deepen their collaboration with specific actions. This encompasses exchanging knowledge about protecting and collecting modern African artwork, launching educational activities designed for the upcoming museum’s audience, and organizing loans from the Île-de-France Regional Collection of Contemporary Art (Frac).
At the event, Qotbi highlighted Morocco’s significant position as an entry point to Africa and as a link bridging Africans with Europe.
Describing art and culture as «the best bridges and gateways» for mutual understanding, the FNM President said he was pleased to welcome Pécresse, who had come to explore Morocco’s artistic wealth and learn more about FNM’s plans for Africa.
On her behalf, Pécresse mentioned that almost one million inhabitants of Île-de-France maintain connections with Morocco, contributing significantly to the area’s cultural, artistic, and economic landscape. Additionally, she highlighted that two current vice presidents with Moroccan roots are serving on her executive board.
“She mentioned that they felt greatly honored when Mr. Qotbi selected the director of the Frac Île-de-France collection to assist in curating and initially selecting pieces for the opening exhibit at the Musée du Continent,” She further noted that all the resources from Frac Île-de-France will be utilized by FNM to recognize, back, champion, and display talents originating from Africa.
Before the signing ceremony, Pécresse, alongside a delegation from the Île-de-France Regional Council, visited the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. During their visit, they examined artworks by French-Moroccan creator Tahar Ben Jelloun as well as pieces created by several modern-day Moroccan artists.