Rabat – The ninth iteration of the “Jidar-Rabat Street Art Festival,” which will take place from April 18 to 28, is set to energize the Moroccan capital’s facades.
According to a press release from the organizers, aspiring street artists, who were chosen through a meticulous process, will be introduced to muralism under the supervision of their seniors.
They will convene at the Collective Wall, a laboratory where they can gain advice from Moroccan muralists Ed Oner and Basec to perfect their technique and create a joint mural together.
The press release added that street artists, who are renowned for their accuracy and elegance, have been invited to participate in the festival, given this year’s edition prioritizes abstract and hyperrealistic art.
Twelve artists from different countries will be exhibiting on twelve walls scattered across Rabat. Among them will feature Alexis Diaz from Puerto Rico, Nespoon from Poland, Kartelovic from Germany, Facio from Argentina, HNRX from Austria, and Fikos from Greece.
Other artists include Japanese Kaori Izumiya, Italian Luogo Comune, and Moroccans Normal, Majda Jarbili, Houssam El Ghallal, and Acoby.
This year, Jidar is introducing a new event called”OUT/IN” that is designed to create a conversation between the private setting of an art gallery and the outer world of urban street art, with the aim of immersing itself further in the field.
Hosted by Spanish artist Txemy, the “OUT/IN” event is divided into three parts: a mural performance, a meeting with the artist, and an exhibition of small-format paintings at Atelier Ambigu.
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The guided tour program, which was a great success in its previous edition, also places a strong emphasis on exchange and sharing, the same source stated.
In addition, the Mohammed VI Museum’s auditorium will be available to the public as part of the Jidar Talks, allowing them to have candid conversations about their careers with street artists.
According to the press release, Jidar aims to be a festival deeply connected to its surroundings. The organizers hope to demonstrate through fostering the emergence of a sustainable ecosystem, cultivating local street art culture, making relationships with locals, nurturing the next generation of talent, and maintaining an organic connection with the city that acts as both backdrop and support for the event.
Since the founding of Jidar in 2015, big names in national and international muralism have contributed to giving the capital a new look, which is currently covered with about a hundred frescoes.
