festival des arts contemporains sefrou 2009

Hello Everyone,
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> I have put together some thoughts on our homework assignment.  There is more to explore and I hope to contribute as the project develops, so consider this just a rough draft.
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> Sefrou Art Festival Abstract
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> What is the Festival?
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> The scope of the project will include an exhibition, catalogue, symposia, and programming (directed at various audience levels).  It will explore Moroccan contemporary fine art on a comprehensive level and open to all subjects & mediums of 2D, 3D, installation, video, performance art and beyond.  Moroccan artists living in Morocco and abroad will be invited to participate—and through an expert panel—a body of diverse works will be selected.  The breadth of its promise will give momentum to Moroccan contemporary art as it explores its own identity in the contemporary art world and reveal parts of Moroccan culture not previously visible to either a national or an international public.
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> Why Have the Festival?
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> The festival is designed to create a departure from the stereotypical and conventional genres that often fail to depict today’s Moroccan art world fairly.  This project is the first attempt in Morocco to change this external viewpoint of Moroccan art. The method is to create a forum educate, create inquiry and interest, and thus build an alternative to its visual history defined up to this point.
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> When, Where, Length
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> With its own exhibit space (hospital, cinema, or alternative space in Sefrou) the project will serve as the impetus for a national Moroccan Contemporary Art Month (CAM).  Late July/early August is the apex of tourism and Moroccan travel nationwide thereby making it an ideal time to launch the event.  The average life of an exhibition is three months; however, shortening the event will allow enough time to generate interest, legacy, programming initiatives, evaluation, and closure.
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> Who is the Audience?
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> Public support both locally, nationally and internationally is imperative.  Historically contemporary art is viewed a being esoterical and challenging to even with the most sophisticated audiences.  Education, outreach, relevant programs, and innovative marketing will support initial interest, but not sustain long-term.  The success of the project is measured not only by attendance by what viewers/participants glean from their experience.
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> At the moment the audience is local Sefrouians (many who are not exposed to fine art and/or interested), Moroccans from the region (university students, artists, general public), tourists, invited artists, scholars, and unknown visitors.  This subject needs to be discussed at length to ensure the success of the project, support form participating artists, sponsors, organizers, and affiliates.  Points to consider:  Road from Fes to Sefrou will open up tourism and increase residency to include foreigners.
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> Short (very) list of Moroccan contemporay artists:  Zid mnbed.
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>  1.  Yto Barrada -  Moroccan photographer (intl level)
>  2.  Hicham Lahlov – Morocan Decorative Artists ( Works in intl museum collections)
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