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Since the 1960s, the labor immigration from to Morocco to Belgium generated socio-economical bounds between the two countries. The joint initiativebetween the MuHKA (Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, Belgium), the non-profit cultural organization Moussem and artist Charif Benhelima resulted in the ground-breaking project Without Title – Moussem Festival (March 15-May 20, 2007) that featured a contemporary Moroccan art exhibition, an Arab music & poetry festival, a selection of MuHKA’s permanent collection by members of the Moroccan community in Belgium, round tables and an Arab film program. In other words, for the first time in 50 years, MuHKA presented a comprehensive view of contemporary Arab cultural, which particularly focused on Moroccan practices.
After the success of Without Title – Moussem Festival, a new idea for another project was generated to take place in Morocco. A collection of Without Title, which was selected by members of the Moroccan community as well as solo shows of Belgian artists will exhibited as part of the Festival de Casablanca 2008. Hassan Darsi and Florence Renault, founders of La Source du Lion atelier, artist's residency, and exhibition projects will be artistic directors of the projects.
Bart De Baere, MuHKA’s artistic director and one of the creators of the two projects granted this exclusive discussion.
How do you see this upcoming project?
The project will expand the cultural relations and art dialogue between the two countries.
Any successful event like Zonder Title should have a follow-up. i.e. culture is about continuation from the past to the future.
Where should this project take place?
While attending a conference, I paid a visit to the would-be location of the project in Casablanca, which is a huge superb concrete cathedral with impressive architecture. In brief, it is a perfect space for art exhibition. We are currently waiting for La Source du Lion to make finalize the agreement with the Moroccan authorities.
What we might expect from any public, art agents and institution in any country in the world, that they take their initiatives will take a serious aspect. This means they would seek the best deals Moroccan art.
What would that bring to the two countries?
We acquired some of the collection of artists like Hassan Darsi and Hicham Benohoud, so the project continues in the permanence of the museum. We will be exhibiting work from Khaled Hafez and Amal Kenawy, the two Egyptian artists in the show because the Moussem was and will be about showing other art perspectives from the whole Arab world and to expand cultural relations through art and creativity. In the preparation for Moussem, we aimed to put the cultural aspect and the international politics as well. This ideology is part of the political priority of the international cultural policies and the sensibilities surrounding such aspects of collaboration, which drives us to rethink radically this image. In the past, collaboration in development was a choice but now it has become a necessity in our society. Particularly, Morocco is part of us, as Belgians, and is a part our social body. It is a country with a cultural atmosphere and a brilliant past (the multicultural kingdom of Andalusia). Similarly all the Islamic world of North Africa belongs to us, not as colonial property or post colonial political image but as a familiar element, an interest and a responsibility. Moussem didn’t forge its proper vision but it has changed all our collective constitution.
Do you have other exhibitions related to Contemporary Arab, Turkish or Iranian Art on view for the MuHKA?
After Without a Title, we received multiple ideas and proposals. We might collaborate with artist and curator Jack Persikian in a new project involving Palestinian artists. Moussem intends to invite all neighboring countries and communities. In other words, the Moroccan multiculturalism isn’t a niche but it is a ground aimed for openness. Welcome to the North Caucasians, Iraqis and South Americans. Cultural is a reservoir of resources including system of significations, ideas and shared valor. Since 2002, Bart De Baere holds the position of the Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Antwerp. De Baere was chairman of the Flemish Government Council of Museums. He was also advisor to the City of Johannesburg for the foundation of the its Biennale and a member of the International Board of the network of Soros Centers of Contemporary Art in Eastern Europe. He was also curator for Documenta IX in Kassel. |
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