On Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Ministry in Rabat, Mr Bensalem Himmich the Minister of Culture met with a delegation from a coalition of Culture and Arts chaired by Mr. Mohamed Derham, which includes the president of the union of professional actors, Mr. Hassan Neffali, and some members of the Central organization representing a number of areas of artistic creation and culture: Abdoulhaye Mallakh for Visual Arts, Ahmed Alaoui for musical professions, Jaafar Aqil for photographers, Chakib Benomar for the House of directors of radio and television [Chambre des réalisateurs de la radio et la television]...
The Minister expressed satisfaction that this meeting forms part of a participatory approach to improving the conditions of art and Moroccan artists. The minister also stressed the importance of solidarity between professionals and artists rallying around their focal points to ensure all achieve their goals of artistic professions. He also explained that the ministry is open to dialogue on all issues and concerns through the central and regional directorates, the use of a level of administrative cooperation or higher political will is only needed in case of insurmountable difficulties.
Mr. Mohamed Derham president of the coalition then explained the focus of his organization, outlining topics that are the current concerns of its members in various sectors. He recalled that the Coalition has opened up multiple discussion areas with the department including the professional artist card, medical cover artists for artists as well as project assistance for new music and song. He stressed the need to continue working on those areas that remain unfinished. He referred in particular to support the art book and developing a national plan to rehabilitate theatre in Morocco. The president of the alliance also called for the implementation of the project to support song. The delegation members then each discussed sectoral issues facing their sectors. They requested the establishment of a policy to support the visual arts, and suggested opening a national debate on the Fine Arts and announce a national day dedicated to them. They also requested that photography and sculpture be included as components of the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
After some discussion the meeting yielded a common desire to build lasting and fruitful cooperation for the benefit of culture and creativity in our country. The parties have agreed to follow up on issues discussed, using the most appropriate means.