Strengthening Cultural Ties: FNM and Île-de-France Region Partnership

Tuesday 22 April 2025 - 08:36

The National Foundation of Museums (FNM) and the Île-de-France Region have formalized their collaboration with a declaration of intent signed on Monday at the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat. The agreement, endorsed by FNM President Mehdi Qotbi and Île-de-France President Valérie Pécresse, outlines the organization of the inaugural Mediterranean exhibition, part of the opening of the African Cultural City – Museum of the Continent.

The partnership will focus on promoting concrete actions, including the exchange of expertise in contemporary African art conservation and acquisition, developing educational programs for the museum's future audiences, and facilitating artwork loans from the Île-de-France Regional Contemporary Art Fund (Frac).

Qotbi emphasized the pivotal role of King Mohammed VI in boosting museums and cultural initiatives in Morocco, which is seen as a gateway to Africa and Europe. He highlighted art and culture as vital bridges for understanding, expressing his pleasure in hosting Pécresse and showcasing Moroccan talent.

Pécresse underscored the close cultural and economic ties between Île-de-France and Morocco, noting that nearly one million residents in the region have Moroccan connections. She also mentioned the significant involvement of Franco-Moroccan vice-presidents in the regional government.

Pécresse also expressed her pride in the fact that for the inaugural Museum of the Continent exhibition, FNM had selected the Director of the Île-de-France Frac Collection to curate the artwork and contribute as one of the exhibition's curators. She assured that Frac’s expertise would be shared with FNM to help discover, promote, and elevate African artists.

Before the signing, Pécresse and her delegation visited the Mohammed VI Museum, where they had the opportunity to view works by Moroccan-French writer, poet, and painter Tahar Ben Jelloun, as well as contemporary Moroccan artists.