Place of Artists in Essaouira: Between Environmental Challenges and the Memory of an Era
In the heart of Essaouira, where history meets creativity, the Association of the Place of Artists has launched an urgent plan aimed at rescuing this iconic space from the threats that jeopardize its continuity as a beacon of visual arts. The meeting held at Dar Souiri was not just a fleeting organizational event, but a pivotal moment that brought together the memory of pioneers and the vision for the future.
An Emotional Moment and a Call for Responsibility
The gathering opened with a welcoming speech by General Coordinator Abdallah Sheikh, followed by a recitation of Fatiha in memory of the late artist Mohamed Afif. This served as an indirect declaration that the association draws its project from fidelity to the memory of those who crafted the glory of the Place. The association’s president, artist Mostafa Khalili, emphasized that this phase requires a reordering of priorities and transforming the association into a space that combines thought and action.
The Encroaching Sand… the Biggest Challenge
The discussions revealed that the most pressing danger lies in the encroaching sand on the area of the square, which disrupts activities and threatens its infrastructure. An initiative overseen by the mayor, Tarek Al-Othmani, to remove the accumulations was seen as a temporary step, while the board affirmed that the urgent plan would give this issue top priority, followed by attention to cleanliness, security, gardening, and upgrading water and electricity networks. The idea of allocating a suitable headquarters for the association near Bab Dakla was also proposed as a base for its new beginnings.
The Memory of Icons and the Radiance of Names
The attendees did not miss the chance to recall the icons of the Place who turned its area into an artistic landmark: Boujemaa Lakhdar, Sidiq Sidiqi, Saadia Biri, Tayeb Saddiki, Abdellah Bouassa, Abd Al-Rahman Baku, Hassan Al-Sheikh, and Mohamed Afif. The mention of these names was not merely a tribute but an announcement that the association’s project walks in their footsteps by linking art to the collective identity of the city. The presence of representatives from the families of the pioneers underscored the association’s transition to a phase of practical action, where artistic, environmental, and documentary tasks intertwine.
In its new vision, the association does not limit itself to addressing local issues but seeks to transform the Place into a center of cultural radiance open to national and international partnerships. It aspires for the space that has hosted decades of folk performances and artistic experimentation to become a permanent platform for artistic production and cultural marketing, reinforcing Essaouira’s status as a global city of art.
The meeting concluded with the reading of a message of loyalty to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the anniversary of the King and People’s Revolution and Youth Day, symbolizing that the association’s project relies on the constants of the nation and the will of its people. The atmosphere of the meeting reflected a collective awareness that preserving artistic memory, confronting environmental challenges, and mobilizing youth form the fundamental pillars of a new path.
With this dynamic, the Association of the Place of Artists affirms that the square is not just a public space but a living memory and a future laboratory. It marks a historical moment that positions culture as a horizon for development and art as a means to highlight the identity of a city long renowned for its vibrant artistic spirit and rhythm of creativity.
