Rabat Celebrates the Treasures of Moroccan Traditional Arts
Rabat Launches the 3rd Edition of the "Treasures of Moroccan Traditional Arts" Program
Rabat: The third edition of the “Treasures of Moroccan Traditional Arts” program was officially launched on Tuesday in Rabat, during a ceremony organized by the Secretary of State for Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy in partnership with UNESCO.
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this edition follows the theme: “From Ancestral Heritage to the Creativity of Descendants: A Youth Preserving Moroccan Identity.” It continues national efforts to safeguard, promote, and pass on endangered traditional crafts.
Through this program, master artisans share their ancestral know-how with younger generations, emphasizing excellence, creativity, and authenticity.
André Azoulay: “Artisans Embody the Soul of Morocco”
During the ceremony, André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King, highlighted that Moroccan artisans represent the true wealth of the Kingdom, embodying its identity and civilizational heritage. He underscored the international recognition of Moroccan craftsmanship, stating that the creators of the Kingdom are “living testimony to what Morocco can produce most nobly.”
Mr. Azoulay also mentioned 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 Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, emphasized that handicrafts are a strategic sector, 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, spotlighted the participatory dimension of the program, emphasizing the role of communities that hold traditional knowledge in passing on and enhancing immaterial heritage.
A Sustainable and Inclusive Vision Until 2031
A new agreement extending the Morocco-UNESCO partnership until 2031 was signed, reinforcing the foundations of sustainable cooperation in safeguarding traditional crafts.
During the ceremony, an emotional tribute was paid to several master artisans whose talent and creativity contribute to the vibrancy 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 relevance of the program and its impact on preserving the country’s immaterial cultural heritage.
Youth at the Heart of Transmission
The “Treasures of Moroccan Traditional Arts” program illustrates Morocco’s commitment to linking heritage and innovation, empowering youth to continue traditions while exploring new forms of creativity. It embodies the royal vision of a vibrant, creative handicraft sector that looks towards the future, serving as an essential pillar of Moroccan identity and enhancing the Kingdom’s international presence.
