Exciting Photography Festival at the Bahia Palace
On October 7, 2026, the historic Bahia Palace in Marrakech will unveil a remarkable exhibition as part of the Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech, showcasing the artistic works of photographers from China and Morocco. This prestigious photography festival, running from October 7 to 10, 2026, will occur at multiple venues across the vibrant Moroccan city, centered around the theme "Two Centuries of Light." This theme reflects the rich history and evolution of photography over the past two hundred years, marking a significant milestone in the art form.
Highlights of the Exhibition and Festival Activities
The sixth edition of the Rencontres de la Photographie de Marrakech kicks off with an official opening at the Bahia Palace, following a projection of selected works at the Meydene. The opening night will feature the exhibition titled "Regards croisés Chine-Maroc," which aims to foster a photographic dialogue between the two cultures, highlighting the artistic exchanges between the photographers Qi Hao and Noureddine El Warari. This collaboration illustrates the dynamic interplay of perspectives as Moroccan photographers have worked in China, while their Chinese counterparts have explored Morocco through their unique lens.
Throughout the four days of the festival, events will be hosted in various iconic locations around Marrakech, including the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum, Sofitel Marrakech TBC, and Mövenpick. Organized by Voix Plurielles from Casablanca and Cultures Nomades Production from Arles, the festival promises a diverse lineup of exhibitions and presentations that celebrate the art of photography. The Bahia Palace is not merely one of many venues; its historic spaces will serve as a backdrop for this culturally rich exhibition, emphasizing the theme of cultural encounter that distinguishes this event from others taking place across the city.
In addition to the primary exhibition, the festival will feature Cynthia Cooper's "Frontières de Soie, Route du Coeur," portfolio readings on October 8 and 9, and further presentations throughout the venue. Notably, Massimo Listri will showcase his book on the palaces of Italian institutions in Tangier at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Works by Graziano Arici and Noureddine El Warari's "Jazz" series are also scheduled for display at the Mövenpick. A comprehensive program overview will detail additional exhibitions and participating artists.
The main festivities will conclude on October 10, 2026, but the exhibitions will remain accessible until November 30, 2026, providing ample opportunity for visitors, especially those coming from Germany, to experience the Bahia Palace's offerings during both the opening night and subsequent exhibition period.
On October 9, the Meydene will host the closing event, which will feature the presentation of the Yzza-Slaoui Prize, aimed at recognizing outstanding Moroccan photographers. The winning project will be exhibited at the 2027 edition of the festival, ensuring ongoing support for local talent.
As reported by ad-hoc-news.de.