Fez – Morocco’s ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication has launched a new initiative to support cultural and artistic, and books publishing projects.

The ministry’s initiative features a new portal to apply for its support initiative starting February 14.

The newly-launched initiative is in line with the ministry’s program to support the arts, publishing, writers, cultural associations, artistic unions, as well as cultural and artistic festivals.

The ministry’s programs aim to meet the requirements of decree 2.12.513 issued on May 13, 2013.

Supporting cultural and artistic projects is subject to joint decisions of both the minister of culture and the minister of economy in cultural and financial fields, according to a statement from the ministry.

The initiative mainly targets music, performing arts and choreography, specifically musical and lyrical production, and promoting and distributing musical and lyrical products. It also aims to provide assistance for the performing arts and choreography.

As for fine and visual arts, the ministry will allocate budgets for artistic residencies in the field of plastic and visual arts, as well as finance exhibitions and salons specialized in the field.

When it comes to theater, the initiative intends to support the production and promotion of theatrical productions, as well as organizing national theatrical tours.

The initiative is also aimed at supporting the publication of books, cultural magazines, and electronic cultural magazines. The ministry said it also plans to support Moroccan participation in international book fairs.

Authors with disabilities will also get the opportunity to publish their books through the initiative.

Culture and art professionals interested in the initiative can apply electronically via a designated link. The ministry said it has produced this platform as part of its efforts to facilitate access to its services and improve administrative work.

Morocco’s culture minister has recently signed agreements aimed at boosting cultural and youth investment and businesses.

On January 27, the ministry signed a new agreement aimed at bringing private investors and government institutions together to boost the cultural and creative industries.