Marrakech – Moroccan curator and cultural manager Omar Chennafi has successfully completed a professional fellowship organized by the Department of State in the United States.
During his fellowship, Chennafi focused on curatorial practices, cultural diplomacy, and the creative industries, exploring how art and culture can strengthen communities and promote mutual understanding.
In Austin, Texas, he collaborated with organizations including Almost Real Things and the Brave Community, co-curating exhibitions that highlighted memory, cultural heritage, and creative identity, while advancing intercultural dialogue.
Beyond curatorial work, Chennafi has been deeply engaged in projects linking art and mental health.
He led initiatives such as The Darkroom Project, a US–Morocco collaboration using photography to address mental health stigma and promote self-expression.
He also contributed to the Austin Balloon Project, bringing together designers and artists to raise awareness around mental health through collective artistic engagement. These initiatives reflect his belief in art as a tool for empathy, healing, and social connection.
Chennafi’s international efforts continued with a co-curated exhibition at the IFA Gallery in Stuttgart, Germany, presented from August to October. Featuring five Moroccan artists, the exhibition contributed to the growing global visibility of Morocco’s contemporary art scene.
Looking ahead, Chennafi is working to create artistic synergies between the United States, Morocco, Germany, and other countries, leveraging arts and culture as bridges for exchange and collaboration.
He is also preparing the next edition of the Fez Gathering, an international multidisciplinary event exploring intersections of art, culture, and intercultural diplomacy. The 2026 edition will emphasize how artistic creation can foster dialogue, peace, and understanding, with a focus on contemporary art, sustainability, and heritage preservation.
In recognition of Chennafi’s fellowship insights, the United States will be the Guest Country of Honor at the 2026 Fez Gathering, highlighting the historic and ongoing cultural partnership between Morocco and the US.
This relationship dates back to the 18th century, when Morocco became the first country to diplomatically recognize the United States and host the first US diplomatic mission in Tangier, which remains active today.
The Fez Gathering 2026 promises a dynamic program of exhibitions, workshops, and cultural dialogues, celebrating international exchange, shared heritage, and Morocco’s creative identity, while continuing to elevate the Moroccan cultural scene on a global stage.
