From the outset of her press conference at the French Institute in Casablanca on 22 June, Anne-Claire Legendre made one thing clear: this was her first official visit to Morocco in her capacity as president of the Arab World Institute (IMA). The Kingdom, a founding member of the IMA since 1982, has long been regarded as a ‘trusted partner’, with whom the institution has collaborated over decades to promote the nation’s cultural heritage and artistic legacy.
Her trip coincided with a busy period in Moroccan-French diplomatic relations. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre highlighted the Arab World Institute’s role in strengthening bilateral ties, just days ahead of a joint prime ministers’ meeting scheduled for July 2026 and the preparations for King Mohammed VI’s return state visit to France. The IMA’s ambition is to energise this renewed partnership.
The programme began in Rabat on 19 June with a working session with 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 heads of the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque and the National Higher Institute of Music and Dance (INSMAC). The president also met Fihr Kettani, founder of the Living Arts Studio and head of the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation (ICC). The itinerary concluded in Marrakech with discussions involving leading figures from both national and international art scenes, including Meriem Berrada — curator of Morocco’s first national pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale — and Alexis Sornin, director of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Arts Museums. The visit ended back in Casablanca for the inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, in the presence of Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Museums Federation.
Archaeology: spotlighting Morocco’s discoveries in Paris
One of the central themes highlighted during the press conference was archaeology. Legendre described her time at INSAP as an opportunity to explore the trajectory of Moroccan archaeological research. The institute now trains over 170 students and collaborates with French institutions including Inrap, CNRS, the Collège de France and ENS. According to Legendre, the focus for the IMA is not training — already well-established in Morocco — but showcasing research outcomes. She noted that groundbreaking discoveries at sites such as Volubilis, Banassa, Phoenician settlements, rock art and revised dating of Homo sapiens development remain largely unknown to European audiences. Legendre announced that upon her return, the IMA will develop plans for a Paris exhibition dedicated to Arab-world archaeology.
On cultural and creative industries, Legendre observed that Morocco and Saudi Arabia stand out as the two Arab countries most visibly advancing in video games and animation. She revealed that the IMA will contribute to the Esports World Cup in France, requested by Saudi Arabia, aligning with the planned redesign of the IMA’s museum — set to launch in 2027 — which will feature immersive and gamified experiences.
As part of this vision, three annual awards in fashion, design and contemporary art will be created, presented alongside major Paris events such as Fashion Week, Paris Design Week and Paris+ by Art Basel. Winners will gain residency opportunities, exhibitions and professional mentorship in France. This initiative responds to repeated calls from young Moroccan creators during her stay for stronger international networking through the IMA.
Photography, literature and the Arabic language
The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca marks the culmination of a partnership first discussed with Mehdi Qotbi. Central to this collaboration is the IMA’s 86,000-image photothèque, a significant portion of which documents Morocco through multiple photographic campaigns. Legendre expressed her intention to share this resource with Moroccan partners.
The role of books and the Arabic language also featured prominently. Legendre stressed the need to expand Arabic language education in France and announced plans to work with Moroccan partners to identify works by emerging Arab and Moroccan authors for translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This effort aligns with Rabat’s designation as Arab Book Capital 2026. Legendre pointed to a gap in visibility, noting that French publishers often overlook contemporary Arab literature.
Two major IMA exhibitions are scheduled for the second half of 2026. The first, ‘Long Live the Bride!’, will explore wedding traditions and objects across Morocco’s regions, including their evolution within the diaspora. The second will examine the legacy of the Alhambra during the Nasrid era and its influence on Moroccan architecture, craftsmanship and contemporary art.
The entire visit culminated in finalising a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a draft proposal had already been submitted and that the trip aimed to finalise the document with measurable targets. The roadmap will align with key bilateral milestones, including the prime ministers’ meeting in July 2026. With the IMA celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2027 — the same year its museum undergoes a major redesign — the institution is entering a transformative phase.
