Empowering Youth Through Digital Arts in Rabat
A significant step towards enhancing access to digital arts among young people in Morocco was taken with the launch of the 'NUMUN' project. This initiative, which was officially inaugurated in Rabat, aims to provide a platform for youth to explore, learn, and engage with various forms of digital art. The project, supported by UNESCO's International Fund for Cultural Diversity (FIDC) and in collaboration with the HIBA Foundation and other partners, is set to run from 2026 to 2028.
The 'NUMUN' project is designed to offer young individuals immersive experiences in discovering and practicing digital arts through interactive installations, workshops, and artistic interventions. It will also incorporate a research component to document and analyze the usage and practices surrounding digital mediums, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of digital arts within cultural policies.
One of the project's key features is its mobile digital arts unit, which will travel to six neighborhoods in Rabat and three rural areas. This approach ensures that access to digital art experiences is broadened, particularly in regions where cultural infrastructure is limited. The initiative will provide free access to digital artworks, as well as training activities aimed at equipping young people, especially young women, with the skills necessary for creative expression through digital tools.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
Charaf Ahmimed, UNESCO's regional director for the Maghreb, highlighted the initiative's goal of promoting digital arts and making them more accessible to youth, particularly in underserved areas. He emphasized that 'NUMUN' is not just about providing access, but also about enabling young people to discover and embrace new artistic and cultural expressions.
Marwane Fachane, the director general of the HIBA Foundation, expressed optimism about the project, noting its potential to bridge the gap in access to cultural and artistic practices between urban centers and peri-urban or rural zones. The project will utilize a fully renovated bus converted into a mobile studio, allowing it to reach various communities directly.
Through this innovative approach, 'NUMUN' aims to transform the cultural landscape for young Moroccans by fostering creativity and artistic expression. The project is implemented in collaboration with several organizations, including the French Institute of Morocco, ALSA Morocco, and the RASM'ART association, reflecting a strong commitment to community engagement and empowerment.
As reported by quid.ma.
