Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid reiterated his department’s continuous efforts to boost cultural projects in the Casablanca-Settat region.

Morocco Continues Cultural Renovations in Casablanca-Settat Region

Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mehdi Bensaid reiterated his department’s continuous efforts to boost cultural projects in the Casablanca-Settat region.

In a meeting on April 5 with the Governor of the region Said Ahmidouche, the pair focused on the follow-up of the ministry’s work to strengthen youth engagement and the cultural assets of Casablanca-Settat region.

In march, Bensaid unveiled the ministry’s plans to set up 150 cinemas, theaters, and youth centers across Morocco by the end of this year in a bid to expand the cultural sector.

During Tuesday’s meeting Bensaid spoke about the importance of preserving cultural heritage to boost tourism in the country, calling for the creation of cultural enterprises and the encouragement of cultural-related cooperatives.

He also recalled the ministry’s commitment to partner with several institutions to monitor the ongoing projects.

In his speech, Director General of Casablanca’s Urban Agency (AUC) Taoufiq Benali presented the rehabilitation projects of historic sites in Casablanca, which are expected to cost around MAD 232.5 million.

Director General of the Local Development Company (Casa Patrimoine) Ahmed Taoufik Naciri, gave an overview of the renovation project of the “Sacre Coeur” Church and the archaeological sites “Sidi Abderrahmane” and “Thomas” in Casablanca.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Benyacoub, Director of Arts at the Department of Culture, shed light on the rehabilitation project of the Casablanca School of Fine Arts.

Morocco currently has around 25 cultural spaces, such as cinemas and theaters – most of them 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.