Celebrating ancestral Moroccan craftsmanship, the exhibition «Artisanat d'art : Création et Transmission» is on display at the Musée national de la parure in Les Oudayas, Rabat, from May 7 to June 6, 2024. A highlight of the 8th edition of National Crafts Week, the event is a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, the Maison de l'Artisan, and the National Museums Foundation. Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, points out that «this exhibition showcases a selection of works by 20 outstanding designers, alongside unique pieces from the National Museum Foundation's permanent collection. These creations bridge tradition and innovation, revealing the breadth of Moroccan craftsmanship, including Zellige, Caftan, carpets, leatherwork, Tetouan Zellige, leather painting, weaving, woodwork, sealing, musical instruments, and more». Beyond the exhibition, guided tours for schoolchildren, interactive workshops with artisans, and themed conferences are on the program. A press release highlights these activities as offering visitors an immersion in the rich and captivating world of craftsmanship, while deepening their understanding of artisanal techniques and their role in preserving Moroccan culture. «This exhibition goes beyond a simple showcase», says Mehdi Qotbi, Chairman of the National Museums Foundation. «It is a truly dynamic platform for the exchange and transmission of knowledge between master craftsmen and emerging young talent». The Maison de l'Artisan's general manager, Tarik Sadik, views the event as offering a unique lens through which to appreciate Moroccan arts and crafts. He highlights that each displayed piece embodies the story of the artisans, who are both tireless guardians of tradition and resolute innovators. According to the Moroccan ministry, the craft industry boasts a job-market integration rate for young people of up to 90%. Recognizing this potential, the transmission of this know-how benefits from a program in partnership with UNESCO, focusing particularly on six trades threatened with extinction. In addition to encouraging young people to take up apprenticeships, the aim is to «recreate the craft heritage» through training leading to qualifications.
