Rabat – Morocco plans to set up 150 cinemas, theaters and youth centers across the country by the end of the year in a bid to expand the cultural sector.

“There are many Moroccan artists that unfortunately can’t make a living out of their work,” said Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid, in an interview with Moroccan news outlet Le360 on Monday.

The project intends to further promote the country’s film industry, while also establishing more partnerships with the private sector, including banks.

Morocco has around 25  cultural spaces, such as cinemas and theaters,  but most of these are located in Casablanca and Rabat.

The project aims to create more of these spaces in other cities, as well as creating more concert halls and places to host music festivals. 

The culture and music industry in Morocco has grown steadily over the last few years and could increase even further after Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch approved a draft decree by Bensaid in March to help support and increase film production. The draft decree include giving grants to foreign producers to make films in Morocco.

The plans also aim to create job opportunities and enhance Morocco’s global presence in the international cinematographic sector.

Read Also: Morocco’s Ministry of Culture Reports on Flurry of Activity in Cabinet’s First 100 Days