The historic city of Fez, often regarded as Morocco’s cultural capital, has become a hub for artists and cultural enthusiasts as it hosts the sixth annual Fez Gathering. This year, the event brings together artists from Morocco and the global community to engage in discussions on pressing issues under the theme of “Gentrification, Arts, and Cultural Heritage.”
Organized by the Fez Art Lab with support from various partners, the Fez Gathering serves as a platform for artistic exploration and dialogue. One of the prominent figures gracing this year’s event is Karina Hohmel, an artist and art educator hailing from Essen, Germany. Her first visit to Fez, Hohmel expressed her excitement at being part of this dynamic art gathering.
Hohmel’s passion lies in the transformative power of art, particularly in repurposing old and abandoned buildings. She firmly believes that artists can play a pivotal role in breathing new life into historical structures while fostering vibrant communities around them.
This sentiment resonates with the central theme of the Fez Gathering, which seeks to examine how art can address the challenges posed by gentrification. The focus is on the role of art and culture in revitalizing urban spaces without displacing existing communities.
Gentrification, a global phenomenon, often ushers in urban renewal but at the expense of uprooting long-standing communities. The Fez Gathering aims to explore alternative approaches that embrace cultural heritage and inclusivity. “Preserving cultural heritage is not just about keeping old buildings intact; it’s about giving them a new purpose and creating vibrant communities around them,” Hohmel emphasized.
The event also highlights the role of state institutions in preserving cultural heritage and fostering inclusive growth. It provides a space for intergenerational dialogue, emphasizing the importance of passing down traditional knowledge and skills to younger generations.
The contemporary Moroccan art scene takes center stage at the Fez Gathering. Organizers underline that it offers Moroccan artists a platform to showcase their talents and perspectives. The event features exhibitions that celebrate Morocco’s rich cultural heritage, with contributions from international, national, and local artists in fields such as photography, illustration, printmaking, and various other media.
Curated around the theme of “Gentrification,” these exhibitions aim to inspire dialogue and explore the intricate connection between gentrification, art, and cultural heritage.
Notable artists, including Benjamin Bini and Moroccan talents like Abdelhamid Belahmidi, Ahmed Bennani, and Hamza El Baciri, are joined by the German artist Carina Hommel in presenting their works at the Fez Gathering.
As Fez continues to be a melting pot of cultural exchange and artistic innovation, the Fez Gathering reinforces the idea that art has a crucial role to play in preserving cultural heritage and creating inclusive, vibrant communities in the face of urban transformation.