Morocco explores digital horizons at FAD 2025 in Khouribga
The Festival d’Art Digital (FAD) 2025, hosted in Khouribga, has positioned Morocco at the forefront of global conversations about creativity and technology. Led by director Lahsen El Bouhali, the festival aims to redefine cultural and economic innovation through digital art. El Bouhali, head of educational, artistic, and cultural affairs at the 1337 schools, described the event as a strategic platform for fostering Morocco’s creative industries.
El Bouhali emphasized two key pillars underpinning the initiative. First, the economic potential of creative industries as a driver of global economies. Second, the accessibility of digital art, a field where developing nations can compete on equal footing with more developed counterparts. “The people behind the code are fundamental to this ecosystem,” he noted, highlighting the role of coders and technology experts in shaping this burgeoning industry.
Moroccan metaverse: Nostalgia meets innovation
Visual artist and VR developer Mohamed Adam Charai, also known as Heirloom, illustrated the festival’s emphasis on blending heritage with technology. His work transforms everyday objects from Moroccan homes into digital landscapes, such as the iconic Tabsil Taws (Taws plate), a familiar piece of Moroccan nostalgia. “We all grew up in Moroccan homes… I wanted to create something my generation can connect to,” Heirloom explained.
At 1337 Khouribga, Heirloom collaborates with teams of 3D artists and developers to explore practical applications of immersive technology. “Sometimes, we build VR simulations that show workers risks inside factories,” he shared, explaining how these virtual environments enhance safety by simulating real-life hazards before workers enter potentially dangerous conditions.
Global collaboration and robotic performance
Japanese digital artist Naoyuki Tanaka brought an international perspective to FAD 2025 with his project, RoboGames. Tanaka, currently in residence at UM6P in Benguerir, uses robotics to explore human-machine interaction. “RoboGames is a performance project where two robots communicate with each other. But when a human perspective is added, it becomes a battle,” he explained. Through his work, Tanaka examines how human perception transforms machine interactions into narratives of conflict.
Dance and digital fusion
Choreographer and contemporary dancer Ahlam El Morsli showcased a groundbreaking performance merging movement with augmented reality and digital imagery. “We try to develop works that blend dance with digital and sound arts, using augmented reality and imagery synchronized with movement and sound,” she said. Her work delves into boundaries physical, emotional, and imagined creating performances that challenge traditional notions of space and expression.
The festival concluded with a collaborative piece, “Au bord du bord,” by Wajdi Gagui, Ahlam El Morsli, and Jad Mouride. This immersive blend of sound and digital art created an evocative experience, closing FAD 2025 on a powerful and contemplative note.
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