Rabat: The Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication has announced a significant allocation of approximately one million US dollars to support cultural festivals and artistic activities for the year 2025.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the ministry has earmarked 9.45,000 dirhams for this initiative, focusing on enriching the country's cultural landscape.
The ministry's statement revealed that a dedicated commission reviewed applications for state financial support, selecting 177 eligible projects from a pool of 583,000 submissions. The funding will be distributed across various cultural endeavors, including artistic and cultural festivals, which will receive 6.290,000 dirhams (nearly USD 600,000). Additionally, 46 cultural gatherings will be funded with 2.5000 dirhams (USD 221,000), and four projects organized by cultural and artistic societies will receive 750,000 dirhams (USD 83,000).
The statement also highlighted the success of the 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair, held between April 17 and 27. This event has solidified its reputation among international exhibitions, attracting 403,000 visitors and showcasing the Moroccan public's strong connection with literature. The fair featured 775 exhibitors from 51 countries, displaying over three million books and publications.
The ministry emphasized the significance of hosting the Emirate of Sharjah as a guest of honor, reflecting the close ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. The fair included seminars, various activities, and honored several creative intellectuals. Awards were presented to poets and young writers, and numerous book signing ceremonies took place. The "world painters" program was also a highlight, engaging 6,600 children to foster creativity and knowledge through interactions with books.