Marrakech Biennale 2014
The Marrakech Biennale in Morocco celebrates 10 years of bringing cutting-edge contemporary art, literature and film to the Maghreb. It is the first of its kind in the region.
In 2004 with the rise of global tensions, Vanessa Branson (the Biennale’s founder) envisioned a cultural festival that would address social issues through the arts, using them as a vehicle for debate and discussion, building bridges between diverse ideologies.
Taking place every two years, the 5th edition of the Biennale will analyse the question of ‘Where are we now?’ through the participation of around 70 artists in the visual arts, literature, cinema and video and performing arts disciplines. The Biennale offers an opportunity to question the current and changing socio-political context of the region.
Encompassing a variety of events and fringe events, the Biennale brings cultural dialogue to the city of Marrakech.
Highlights include:
– ‘Saout Radio’, a participatory project of sonic ambulation in Marrakech’s taxis, inviting taxi passengers to experience the city through a set of sounds coming from all over the world;
– ‘If You’re So Smart, Why Ain’t You Rich?’ pays tribute to African-American composer Julius Eastman through sounds and installation pieces from twelve international artists; and
– The Biennale Café, which features the entrance to an abandoned Art Deco Building that has been transformed by Hassan Hajjaj for the duration of the Biennale. fluoro spoke to recently spoke to Hajjaj about his work, view the interview here.
The Marrakech Biennale opens today and runs until Monday 31 March 2014 in venues across Marrakech, Morocco.
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