Anne-Claire Legendre made her priorities clear from the start during the press conference at the French Institute in Casablanca on June 22. This marked her first official visit to Morocco since assuming her role as President of the Arab World Institute (IMA). The Kingdom, a founding member of the IMA since 1982, has long been a trusted partner, collaborating on projects that celebrate the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
The visit aligns with an active Franco-Moroccan diplomatic schedule. During her meeting with Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Legendre discussed the role of the IMA in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly ahead of the planned July 2026 meeting between the two countries’ heads of government and the upcoming state visit of King Mohammed VI to France. The IMA aims to play a key role in this renewed partnership.
Her itinerary began in Rabat on June 19 with a working session with Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid. This was followed by visits to the Chellah archaeological site and the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage (INSAP). In Casablanca, she met with leaders from the National Archives, the Moroccan Cinematheque, and the National Higher Institute of Music and Dance (INSMAC). A highlight included a meeting with Fihr Kettani, president of the Federation of Cultural and Creative Industries (ICC) and founder of the Living Arts Studio. The trip concluded in Marrakech with discussions alongside prominent figures like Meriem Berrada, curator of Morocco’s first national 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 inaugurated the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts alongside Mehdi Qotbi, president of the National Federation of Museums.
Archaeology: showcasing Moroccan research in Paris
Archaeology emerged as a central focus during the visit. Legendre described her tour of the INSAP as an opportunity to “understand Morocco’s archaeological trajectory.” The institute, which trains over 170 students, collaborates with French institutions like Inrap, CNRS, Collège de France, and ENS. While Morocco already has a strong training system, the IMA’s role lies in highlighting the country’s archaeological discoveries—such as findings at Volubilis, Banassa, and Phoenician sites, along with rock art and Homo sapiens research—that remain largely unknown in Europe. Plans are underway for an IMA exhibition in Paris dedicated to Arab world archaeology.
The IMA also discussed its contribution to the Esports World Cup in France, requested by Saudi Arabia, aligning with the institute’s upcoming museum redesign in 2027, which will feature immersive and gamified experiences. Additionally, three annual awards in fashion, design, and contemporary art will be launched, offering residencies, exhibitions, and professional support for emerging Arab creators during major Parisian events like Fashion Week and Paris+ by Art Basel.
Photography, literature, and the Arabic language
The inauguration of the Museum of Photography and Visual Arts in Casablanca underscores a partnership with Mehdi Qotbi, leveraging the IMA’s 86,000-photo archive, which includes extensive documentation of Morocco. Legendre emphasized the desire to share this resource with Moroccan partners.
Language and literature also took center stage. Legendre proposed expanding Arabic language education in France and announced a joint initiative with Moroccan partners to identify contemporary Arabic and Moroccan literary works for translation and distribution to French and European publishers. This effort coincides with Rabat’s designation as the 2026 Arab Capital of Book and addresses a gap in visibility for Arabic literature among French publishers.
Two major IMA exhibitions are planned for late 2026: “Long Live the Bride!” will explore wedding traditions across Morocco, including diaspora influences, while the second will highlight the Alhambra’s Nasrid-era legacy and its impact on Moroccan art and architecture.
The visit culminated in finalizing a cultural cooperation roadmap between the IMA and Morocco. Legendre confirmed a draft proposal had been submitted, with this trip aimed at solidifying measurable goals. The roadmap will align with key bilateral milestones, including the July 2026 government meeting. As the IMA celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027 alongside its museum redesign, this visit marks a pivotal moment in strengthening cultural exchange.
