Anne-Claire Legendre made her priorities clear from the start: this was her first official visit to Morocco as President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA). Speaking at a press conference held at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22, she underscored the historic and strategic partnership between the IMA and Morocco, a founding member since 1982 and described as a ‘trusted partner’ in preserving and promoting the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
Her agenda aligned with a busy Franco-Moroccan diplomatic calendar. During a meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, discussions centered on the IMA’s role in deepening bilateral relations, ahead of a high-level government summit scheduled for July 2026 and a planned return state visit by King Mohammed VI to France. The IMA aims to play a proactive role in this evolving partnership.
Her program began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mehdi Bensaid. She then visited the ancient site of Chellah and the Institut national des sciences de l’archéologie et du patrimoine (INSAP). In Casablanca, she convened a meeting with leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Film Archive, and the National Institute of Music and Dance (INSMAC). She also met Fihr Kettani, President of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Studio des Arts Vivants. The trip concluded in Marrakech with engagements with prominent figures in national and international arts, including Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s first pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale, and Alexis Sornin, Director of the Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Berber Arts Museums. Back in Casablanca, she attended the inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts, alongside Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Federation of Museums.
Archaeology: elevating Moroccan research on the global stage
The archaeological sector emerged as a central focus. Legendre called her visit to INSAP a chance to ‘grasp the trajectory of Moroccan archaeology.’ The institute now trains over 170 students and collaborates with major French institutions like Inrap, CNRS, Collège de France, and ENS. She emphasized that while Morocco has a strong training system, the IMA’s focus is on ‘showcasing research findings.’ She noted that groundbreaking discoveries—such as those at Volubilis, Banassa, Phoenician sites, rock art, and revised timelines for Homo sapiens development—remain underappreciated in Europe. Upon returning to Paris, the IMA plans to develop a dedicated exhibition on Arab-world archaeology.
Creative industries: gaming, design and emerging talent
Legendre highlighted Morocco and Saudi Arabia as the most visible players in the Arab world’s gaming and animation industries. She revealed plans for the IMA to support France’s hosting of the Esports World Cup at the invitation of Saudi Arabia. This initiative ties into the IMA’s museum redesign, launching in 2027, which will feature immersive and gamified experiences.
She also announced the creation of three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art, to be presented alongside major Paris events like Fashion Week, Paris Design Week, and Paris+ by Art Basel. Winners will receive residencies, exhibition opportunities, and professional mentorship in France. This responds to repeated requests from young Moroccan creators during her visit.
Photography, literature and the Arabic language
The inauguration of the Casablanca Museum of Photography and Visual Arts marks a tangible outcome of earlier collaborations with Mehdi Qotbi. The IMA’s photothèque—home to 86,000 images, many documenting Morocco—will now be made accessible to local partners.
Legendre stressed the need to expand Arabic language instruction in France and promote contemporary Moroccan and Arab literature. The IMA will work with Moroccan partners to identify emerging voices and facilitate translations for French and European publishers. This aligns with Rabat’s designation as Arab Book Capital for 2026—a role Legendre sees as an opportunity to address the lack of visibility Arab literature receives in France.
Two major exhibitions are scheduled at the IMA in late 2026: “Long Live the Bride!”—exploring Moroccan wedding traditions across regions and diaspora—and a second focusing on the legacy of the Alhambra during the Nasrid period and its influence on Moroccan art and architecture.
The entire visit culminated in finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed that a draft proposal had already been submitted and that her trip aimed to ‘translate that vision into concrete, measurable goals.’ The roadmap will be aligned with key bilateral milestones, including the July 2026 government summit. As the IMA marks its 40th anniversary in 2027 and embarks on a major museum overhaul, this partnership reflects a new chapter in cultural diplomacy.
