Rabat – Gunnar Ardelius, the Secretary-General of the Swedish Museum Association, embarked on a four-day visit to Morocco, delving into the potential for cultural collaboration between Sweden and Morocco.

The Swedish Museum Association, founded in December 2004, boasts over 240 members, comprising national museums, county museums, and municipal museums.

Ardelius, an accomplished Swedish author and advocate for cultural exchange, exclusively shared insights with Morocco World News during his visit, shedding light on the purpose of his trip and aspirations for fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

Exploring cultural collaboration

Born in 1981, Ardelius’ career first took off when he published a young adult novel that was critically acclaimed, winning him the prestigious Slangbellan Prize for Best First Novel.

 His visit to Morocco included stops in Rabat, Marrakech, and Casablanca, where he connected with various representatives from the museum sector.  

When questioned about the motivation behind the Swedish Museum Association’s visit to Morocco, Ardelius emphasized the necessity for collaboration in an interconnected world.

 “Sweden is a small country in the northern part of Europe, and we have a small language. If we don’t collaborate with the rest of the world, we don’t have the possibility to make changes. We have to make relations to stay vital. And I think in this case, Morocco is a perfect place to do that,” he stated.

 The primary goal of the visit, according to Ardelius, is to strengthen ties and foster mutual understanding between the Swedish Museum Association and its Moroccan counterparts.

Collaborating with the embassy and the National Foundation of Museums in Morocco, Ardelius expressed the intention to delve into the intricacies of the museum sector, seeking opportunities for cooperation and exchange.

Ardelius particularly highlighted the potential for exhibitions to travel between the two nations, showcasing each other’s cultural richness.

Building bridges 

In a meeting with Mehdi Qotbi, President of the National Foundation of Museums in Morocco, Ardelius discussed the prospects of collaboration during a visit to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat

Their fruitful conversation laid the groundwork for potential partnerships and exchanges between the two nations.

Founded in 2011, the National Foundation of Museums (FNM) is an independent, non-profit institution with legal personality and financial autonomy.

Ardelius commented on the cultural heritage of Morocco, stating that it is “extremely interesting and rich” with a plethora of museums. He also emphasized the shared goal of both nations in ensuring a vibrant and active museum sector.

 When asked about the challenges anticipated in collaboration, highlighted the common challenges faced by both countries preserving cultural heritage while making it accessible to the public.

 Ardelius stressed the need for museums to play a dynamic role in society, not only as preservers of heritage but also as active contributors to public engagement.

In terms of cultural exchanges, Ardelius expressed optimism about the potential benefits for both nations.

“I think the changes we are trying to achieve both in Morocco and in Sweden are kind of similar, that we want to have a stronger presence in the region and in the municipalities, to have a vital sector in all of the countries,” he explained.

Recognizing the vast geographical expanse of both Sweden and Morocco, he sees collaboration in this area as an opportunity to create a more robust cultural landscape.

Ardelius expressed hope for the Swedish Museum Association to understand the structure and people working in the Moroccan museum sector better.

He remains positive about the future possibilities of collaboration, echoing the sentiment that cultural exchange is not just about preserving heritage but also about building lasting relationships and fostering a shared understanding between nations.