Comic Festivals and Cultural Forums in Morocco
Morocco is currently experiencing a vibrant cultural landscape, marked by various artistic festivals and forums dedicated to contemporary cultural transformations. Notable events include comic festivals in Tétouan, discussions on cultural industries in Rabat, photographic exhibitions, debates on artificial intelligence in Marrakech, museum projects throughout the country, and animation cinema in Meknès. These events not only celebrate artistic creation but also foster dialogue about the shifting cultural dynamics in the region.
Tétouan: A Hub for African and Moroccan Comics
The city of Tétouan is alive with the 19th edition of the International Comic Forum (FIBaD), which commenced at the Cinéma Español, featuring the presentation of the “African Talents 2026” International Awards. This edition solidifies the forum's status as a premier event dedicated to the ninth art form in Morocco and across Africa. The “African Talents 2026” award was presented to Moroccan artist Mustapha Wahoud for his album “More Than Just a Book.” The National Grand Prize for Comics 2026 was awarded to Hammou Souri for his work “Dar Darak,” while Oussama Outrout received the “ATIL” Comics Award for Inclusion for his album “Wlad Derb.” This year, over 60 submissions were received for the “African Talents” award, with participants from countries such as Guinea, Congo-Brazzaville, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Benin, Madagascar, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, and Morocco.
The forum also paid tribute to several key figures in the cultural and artistic sector. Notable artist Abdelilah Nacef, a graduate of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA) in Tétouan and a teacher in the United States, was honored for his artistic journey. Tributes were also given to Aziz Oumoussa, an author and director of animated films, and young talent Salah Eddine Fellani. The ceremony included the signing of partnership agreements between INBA and various institutions, including the Saint-Luc School of Arts in Liège, Artcoustic Studios, and the ATIL association from Tétouan. According to INBA director Mohamed Zouak, this edition is particularly notable for the release of an album dedicated to Moroccan adventurer Hassan Baraka and the establishment of a “Comic Village” at the Nouveau Feddan square, which hosts exhibitions, activities, and publishers from both Morocco and Europe. The FIBaD, organized with various Moroccan, European, African, and Arab partners, aims to promote comics as a tool for creation, dissemination of visual culture, and expression of contemporary social and cultural issues.
Rabat: Focus on Cultural and Creative Industries
In Rabat, the first Arab Forum on Cultural and Creative Industries opened under the theme “Investing in Creativity: An Investment in the Future.” Organized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication alongside ALECSO, this event gathers institutional leaders, experts, artists, and cultural entrepreneurs from the Arab world. Over three days, participants engaged in discussions about the development prospects of the Arab creative economy, future job opportunities, sustainable financing models, and the integration of culture into development policies. Topics of conversation included cinema, heritage, music, design, digital arts, as well as the impacts of digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid emphasized that cultural and creative industries have become a major economic and social lever capable of generating employment, particularly for youth, while enhancing the global presence of countries. Mohamed Ould Amar, the director-general of ALECSO, stressed the importance of new technologies and artificial intelligence in cultural production and dissemination processes. He advocated for the establishment of adapted legal frameworks, the protection of intellectual property rights, and support for cultural startups. Mauritanian Minister of Culture El Houssein Ould Meddou remarked that cultural industries now represent a strategic issue for sovereignty and development, necessitating partnerships among states, the private sector, universities, creators, and civil society. The program includes several panels dedicated to AI, the role of Arab cultural institutions, and laws concerning intellectual property.
As reported by quid.ma.
