The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira Shines Internationally as a Model for Culture and Economic Development
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira received prominent recognition during the first Cultural Investment Conference in Riyadh, being presented as a leading example that demonstrates the capacity of cultural heritage to drive economic development and create job opportunities.
Around 150 distinguished figures from various sectors of cultural and creative industries attended the conference, including representatives from global companies like Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Art Basel, and Opera Gallery, alongside artists and experts in fields such as music, cinema, visual arts, publishing, and live performances.
During the conference, the Moroccan delegation showcased the experience of Essaouira, explaining how the Gnaoua Festival has transformed African-Moroccan musical heritage into an effective tool for local development by enhancing economic activities, generating jobs, and increasing the city’s international profile, making it a distinctive cultural destination.
For its part, the Saudi authorities seized the opportunity of the conference to announce the launch of a $40 million investment fund to support cultural projects, as part of a comprehensive vision aimed at making culture a fundamental pillar for economic and social transformation in the Kingdom.
