Art Rally for Earthquake Victims in Marocco continues

On the 8th of September 2023 a massive earthquake hit the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, affecting thousands of people, with almost 3000 deaths. The catastrophe also destroyed large parts of the infrastructure and over 50 000 houses, according to the BBC.

The damage also includes important historical sites like the ancient Jewish quarter in the city of Marrakech. Many of the city’s museums and art installations have been affected as well and art organisations within the country have organised some projects to help with the rebuilding and recovery of the city.

Museums in the centre of the city have been especially affected, with severe structural damage and the danger of the buildings collapsing. But not only art museums have suffered, many artists have lost their workspaces or even their homes, like M’barek Bouhchichi, whose studio was located near the Atlas Mountains and was extremely damaged by the earthquake.

In light of this crisis, many organisations and institutions have collected and donated money to the local communities since September, like the commercial gallery “Comptoir des Mines”, which raised 100 000 €.

On the 28th of October, an auction was held at the “Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art” in Rabat, which included many professional artists, and which helped raise money for rebuilding parts of the affected cities. Further auctions are planned in December.

Another crucial organisation has been the “Artists for Morocco” collective of artists, whichwasbroughtintolifebytheeditorSamira Larouci, the designer Ismail Elaaddioui and the photographer Anass Quaziz, immediately after the earthquake hit. The organisation has raised 210 000 € so far and plans to continue its work, mainly donating the money towards the “Rif Tribes Foundation”, which supports secluded villages, which otherwise can’t get much help, and the “Amal Women’s Training Centre”, which is a women’s charityfor food delivery.In total, “Artists for Morocco” has provided help across 16 villages for more than 2700 people.

Larouci, one of the founders, states that this organisation has proven “art’s ability to heal” and looks forward to promoting Moroccan artists along with international artists, through and after the crisis, with a special focus on promoting local artists. She also highlights how crucial it is for “Artists for Morocco” to continue its work especially in the winter months, where many people live in tents and will not be shielded from the cold.

Eric Falt, regional director of the UNESCO in Maghreb has announced on the 21st of November, that UNESCO will support Morocco in the recovery of what was lost.