Anne-Claire Legendre made her priorities clear during the press briefing at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22: this marked her first official visit to Morocco in her capacity as President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA). Morocco, a founding member of the IMA since 1982, stands out as a trusted partner with whom the institution has long collaborated to promote the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
This visit aligns with an active Franco-Moroccan diplomatic calendar. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre discussed the IMA’s role in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly ahead of a joint government meeting scheduled for July 2026 and the anticipated return state visit to France by King Mohammed VI. The IMA aims to reinforce this renewed partnership through strategic cultural initiatives.
The itinerary began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Youth, Culture, and Communication Minister Mehdi Bensaid, followed by a tour of the Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP). In Casablanca, a high-level meeting at the National Library brought together leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Higher Institute of Music and Dance (INSMAC). The visit also featured discussions with Fihr Kettani, Chairman of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of Studio des Arts Vivants. The program concluded in Marrakech with exchanges with prominent figures in Morocco’s artistic scene, including Meriem Berrada, curator of the first Moroccan 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 Morocco’s research prowess across borders
Archaeology emerged as a key focus during the visit. Legendre highlighted the INSAP visit as an opportunity to assess Morocco’s archaeological advancements. The institute, which trains over 170 students, collaborates with French institutions like Inrap, CNRS, Collège de France, and ENS. While Morocco’s training infrastructure is already robust, the IMA’s priority is to elevate the visibility of Moroccan research. Legendre noted that groundbreaking discoveries—such as those at Volubilis, Banasa, and findings revising Homo sapiens development timelines—remain largely unknown to European audiences. She announced plans to develop an exhibition dedicated to Arab world archaeology in Paris upon returning to France.
The cultural and creative industries (ICC) sector also took center stage. Legendre emphasized Morocco and Saudi Arabia as the Arab world’s most visible leaders in video games and animation. She revealed that the IMA would support France’s hosting of the Esports World Cup at Saudi Arabia’s request, aligning with the IMA’s museum redesign slated for 2027, which will incorporate immersive and gamified experiences.
As part of this vision, three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art will be launched, tied to major Parisian events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. Winners will gain access to residencies, exhibitions, and professional mentorship in France. This initiative responds to repeated requests from young Moroccan creators during the visit.
Photography, literature, and the Arabic language
The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca solidified a partnership first discussed with Mehdi Qotbi. The collaboration leverages the IMA’s photothèque, home to 86,000 images, including extensive documentation of Morocco from past photographic campaigns. Legendre expressed her intent to share these resources with Moroccan partners.
Language and literature were also key discussion points. Legendre advocated for expanding Arabic language education in France and announced plans to collaborate with Moroccan partners to identify contemporary Arab and Moroccan literary works for translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This aligns with Rabat’s designation as the 2026 Arab Capital of the Book, addressing a perceived gap in visibility among French publishers regarding contemporary Arab literature.
Two major exhibitions are planned at the IMA for late 2026. The first, titled Vive la mariée!, will explore wedding traditions and objects across Morocco’s regions, including their evolution within the diaspora. The second will delve into the Alhambra’s Nasrid-era cultural influence on Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship, as well as its modern-day echoes.
This visit culminates in finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a preliminary draft has been proposed, with this trip aimed at finalizing concrete, measurable objectives. The roadmap will align with upcoming bilateral milestones, particularly the July 2026 government meeting. As the IMA celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027—coinciding with its museum’s redesign—the institution is entering a transformative phase.