Marrakech Photography Meetings Set to Illuminate the Art Scene
Marrakech is preparing to host the sixth edition of the Marrakech Photography Meetings (RPM), scheduled from October 7 to 10, 2026. This year’s theme, "Two Centuries of Light," coincides with the bicentennial celebration of photography. The event will feature a series of exhibitions running until November 30, with a special focus on Italy and China, highlighting cultural exchanges and diverse perspectives.
Since their inception in 2016, the RPM has evolved to promote contemporary photography and discover emerging talents. The festival brings together established artists and young creators from various backgrounds, fostering interactions among photographers, curators, publishers, and audiences alike. This professional aspect is reflected in the program, which includes master classes, conferences, round tables, and portfolio reviews aimed at sharing knowledge and advancing professional networks within the image sector.
A Photographic Dialogue Between China and Morocco
A key feature of this edition is the focus on bridging cultural ties between China and Morocco. The exhibition titled "Crossed Views: China/Morocco," hosted at the Bahia Palace, will showcase the works of photographers Qi Hao and Noureddine El Warari. This initiative stems from an international artist residency that allowed Moroccan photographers to explore China, particularly in cities like Ningbo and Shanghai, while Chinese artists captured their experiences in Morocco.
The program will also include "Silk Borders, Heart Road" by Cynthia Cooper, a photographic journey depicting the Silk Roads from the Black Sea to the Sahara and through China. Additionally, the Italian segment of the festival is set to be significant, with a partnership established between RPM and the Istituto Europeo Studi based in Sardinia. This collaboration aims to enhance exchanges related to photography as a tool for knowledge, intercultural dialogue, and artistic expression.
A special evening dedicated to photographer Massimo Listri will take place at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, featuring the launch and signing of his book "Palace of Italian Institutions in Tangier," alongside a presentation focused on architecture. Throughout the four days of the festival, events will take place in several iconic locations across Marrakech, including the Bahia Palace, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Moroccan Culinary Art Museum, Meydene, Sofitel Marrakech TBC, and Mövenpick.
The program will also showcase the winners of the 2026 call for entries, highlight finalists, and focus on the Moroccan diaspora. The Yzza Slaoui Discovery Award will be presented during an event at Meydene. The final day will culminate with multiple openings, including "Bellissima" by Graziano Arici, which features black-and-white portraits of cinema figures from the 1950s and 1960s, as well as "Jazz" by Noureddine El Warari. A closing concert is also scheduled at the Mövenpick Marrakech.
As reported by lebrief.ma.
