Rabat: The Launch of the 3rd Edition of “Treasures of Traditional Moroccan Arts”

The 3rd edition of the program “Treasures of Traditional Moroccan Arts” was officially launched on Tuesday in Rabat during a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Artisanal Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, in partnership with UNESCO.

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this edition unfolds under the theme: “From Ancestral Heritage to the Creativity of Descendants: A Youth that Preserves Moroccan Identity.” This initiative continues national efforts aimed at safeguarding, enhancing, and passing on endangered crafts.

Thanks to this program, master artisans are sharing their ancestral expertise with younger generations in a spirit of excellence, creativity, and authenticity.

André Azoulay: “Artisans Embody the Soul of Morocco”

At the ceremony, André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King, highlighted that Moroccan artisans represent the true wealth of the Kingdom by embodying its identity and civilizational heritage.

He emphasized the international prominence of Moroccan craftsmanship, asserting that the Kingdom’s creators are “a living testament to the noblest skills Morocco has to offer.”

Moreover, Mr. Azoulay spoke about the importance of integrating new technologies and artificial intelligence to enrich, rather than transform, this ancestral art.

A Strong Partnership with UNESCO

Lahcen Essaadi, Secretary of State for Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, reminded attendees that the craft sector is a strategic area employing over 2.7 million artisans across the country. He stressed the role of this sector as a lever for social and cultural development, actively contributing to the preservation of Moroccan identity.

Charaf Ahmimed, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Maghreb, highlighted the participatory dimension of the program, emphasizing the role of communities possessing traditional knowledge in transmitting and valuing intangible heritage.

A Sustainable and Inclusive Vision Until 2031

A new agreement extending the Morocco-UNESCO partnership until 2031 was signed, reinforcing the foundation for sustainable cooperation in favor of safeguarding traditional crafts.

During the ceremony, a heartfelt tribute was paid to several master artisans whose talent and creativity contribute to the vitality of Moroccan heritage. These artisans are currently training young apprentices as part of a nine-month program organized in collaboration with craft training institutes.

Tangible Results Since 2023

The first two editions (2023 and 2024) have already trained 157 young artisans under the guidance of 17 master artisans recognized as “Living Treasures” of Morocco. This success confirms the program’s relevance and its impact on the preservation of the Kingdom’s intangible cultural heritage.

A Youth at the Heart of Transmission

The program “Treasures of Traditional Moroccan Arts” illustrates Morocco’s commitment to linking heritage and innovation, empowering young people to keep traditions alive while exploring new forms of creativity. It embodies the royal vision of a vibrant, creative, and future-oriented craft sector, an essential pillar of Moroccan identity and the Kingdom’s international standing.