* Undercurrents refers to an underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere and is not expressed openly.

In 2021, our associations – the Dar Bellarj Foundation and LE 18 in Marrakech, and MAHAL in Tangier – came together to reflect on and share the daily challenges we face. 

Over the course of two years, UNDERCURRENTS has aimed to address some of the structural capacity-building needs and organisational development concerns of cultural actors in Morocco. This effort involved study groups, workshops, and conversations.

Among the themes addressed, the “Constructing cultural governance” cycle set out to offer an overview of the current legal frameworks governing the cultural field in Morocco, including laws on artistic work and associations, social security regimes, and mutual aid frameworks.

In “Becoming collective and collectively” we delved into various forms of collective, from creating “safe” spaces to forstering multiple forms of listening and caring necessary for a sense of belonging and equity within any multi-voiced project. 

 

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Voice and speech were also at the heart of the “Languages and mediation” cycle, where we questioned protocols and practices implemented in our artistic milieu in terms of mediation and transmission. In a socio-cultural context marked by structural multilingualism, what language/s should be adopted for art and culture?

Our research on transmission processes informed the “Building community archives” cycle. Here, we examined the genealogy of the archive as a colonial tool, the archaeology of memory, and the conditions of its transmission from a ‘community-based’ approach. We also explored current policies influencing access to public and private archives in Morocco.

After two years, we find ourselves with more questions than answers.Yet, as we keep wondering, wandering, questioning and re-examining our work, role, effects and affects, we take this (difficult) time to celebrate and share some of the moments of collective learning that we have navigated together. Until we meet again.

 

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