Latest news with #MehdiQotbi
Morocco World
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Morocco and Île-de-France Forge Bold Cultural Pact Around African Art
Rabat – Inside the halls of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rabat, Morocco and the Île-de-France Region took a decisive step toward reshaping the cultural map between Africa and Europe. On Monday, the two sides signed a declaration of intent that goes beyond formal partnership as it signals a shared vision to amplify contemporary African art on the global stage. The document, signed by Mehdi Qotbi, President of Morocco's National Foundation of Museums (FNM), and Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region, sets the tone for a collaboration anchored in action. At its core lies the upcoming Mediterranean exhibition, set to open the Cité de la Culture Africaine, Musée du Continent, a major cultural hub under development. But this partnership stretches far beyond a single event. Morocco and Île-de-France plan to exchange expertise on conservation practices, support acquisitions of African artworks, and design audience-centered educational programs for the new museum. A key component also includes the loan of works from the Île-de-France Regional Fund for Contemporary Art (Frac), bringing European collections into dialogue with African narratives. For Mehdi Qotbi, the moment carried deeper meaning. He described Morocco as a threshold to Africa and a corridor to Europe, geographically, culturally, and artistically. 'Art builds bridges where politics fall short,' he said. 'Welcoming Valérie Pécresse here is more than a diplomatic gesture, it's an encounter with the soul of Morocco and the promise of what Africa can bring to the world.' Pécresse echoed this spirit. With nearly a million residents of Moroccan descent in her region, she spoke of long-standing human and cultural ties that continue to shape Île-de-France's identity. Two of her vice-presidents are Franco-Moroccan, she noted, evidence, she said, of 'how deeply intertwined our stories already are.' The collaboration also places African artists at the center. Pécresse announced that the director of the Frac Île-de-France collection will serve as co-curator for the museum's opening exhibition. 'We bring our full support, our eyes, our networks, our commitment, to identifying and elevating the next generation of African artists,' she said. Before the signing, Pécresse and her delegation toured the museum's galleries. They paused before canvases by Moroccan contemporary artists and works by Tahar Ben Jelloun, the renowned Franco-Moroccan poet, novelist, and painter whose art speaks across boundaries. More than a symbolic gesture, the visit and agreement hint at a shift in the cultural axis. What begins in Rabat may soon echo from Paris to Dakar, from Casablanca to Marseille. The project isn't just about museums, it's about momentum. Tags: contemporary artMorocco ArtMorocco France ArtMorocco france ties
CNA
22-04-2025
- Business
- CNA
Bacha Coffee opens European flagship boutique on Paris' iconic Champs-Elysees
Bacha Coffee has opened its European flagship on the iconic Champs-Elysees in Paris, marking a significant step in its global expansion. The 1,500 sq m, three-storey boutique is now the brand's biggest outlet. Founded in 1910 at the historic Dar el Bacha palace in Marrakech, Morocco, Bacha Coffee was brought onto the global stage by French-Moroccan entrepreneur Taha Bouqdib, who is based in Singapore. Bouqdib launched Bacha Coffee's first international outpost in 2019 at Singapore's Ion Orchard shopping mall. Today, Bacha Coffee is managed by parent company V3 Gourmet, which also owns TWG Tea. It was established by Bouqdib and Singaporean billionaire Ron Sim, the founder of wellness technology and lifestyle products company OSIM. Located at 26 Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the Paris store aims to transport visitors to the Dar el Bacha palace in Marrakech. Its interior features precious tones of red ochre, black and white chequered floors, geometric patterned trellises and carved cedar wood. A coffee boutique is located on the ground floor, where customers can discover a selection of more than 200 types of 100 per cent Arabica coffees, roasted by hand according to traditional methods. Diners can also choose to takeaway their coffees to enjoy them while strolling on the Champs-Elysees. Any of the 200 coffees on offer can be prepared to order, hot or iced, accompanied by a serving of fresh Chantilly cream, along with a raw sugar candy stick and reusable glass straw. Customers may choose to pair their coffee with a selection of sweet and savoury croissants. Flavours include comte cheese, butter, coffee and chocolate, vanilla creme brulee and more. The boutique seats a total of 100 guests across five distinctive spaces, spread over two floors. To celebrate this opening, Bacha Coffee has collaborated with celebrated French Moroccan artist Mehdi Qotbi to conceive 2,000 serialised pieces of a special edition of the I Love Paris Coffee. Available exclusively at the Bacha Coffee Champs-Elysees boutique, the gift box, which is part of the Bacha Coffee Signature Nomad collection, reproduces Mehdi Qotbi's work which is integrated into the decor of the Parisian flagship. Th opening of the new flagship is part of V3's ambitious strategy to open a Bacha Coffee outlet in all major capitals of the world by 2030. The brand currently has 31 locations in 12 major cities, including Dubai, Doha, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Hong Kong. 'My dream is to be able to enjoy a cup of Bacha coffee whenever I travel to any major city in the world, in the same environment and with the same service and style,' Bouqdib said in an interview with CNA Luxury last year.
Ya Biladi
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Villa Carl Ficke transformed into Casablanca's Museum of Memory
Villa Carl Ficke, now transformed into Casablanca's Museum of Memory, was inaugurated on Thursday, creating a dedicated space for preserving and showcasing the city's history and heritage. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region Mohamed Mhidia, Casablanca City Council President Nabila Rmili, and National Museums Foundation (FNM) President Mehdi Qotbi. This new cultural landmark will serve as a hub for art exhibitions and cultural events, fostering discovery and exchange. Minister Bensaid highlighted the significance of the initiative, describing it as a major step toward raising awareness of Casablanca's history, cultures, and heritage among present and future generations. Mehdi Qotbi emphasized the villa's historical richness, noting that it holds a unique collective memory of the city. He also credited King Mohammed VI's vision, which has led to the establishment of several museums across Morocco, providing citizens with spaces to explore and preserve their cultural heritage. The Museum of Memory in Casablanca will feature rotating exhibitions, allowing visitors to engage with diverse artistic expressions. Beyond its indoor galleries, a landscaped esplanade displays outdoor artworks, transforming the villa into an open-air museum and a vibrant cultural oasis in the heart of Casablanca. The project is the result of a partnership between the FNM, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, the Municipality of Casablanca, and the Mers Sultan district, with support from the Wilaya of Casablanca-Settat and the Regional Council. It underscores Casablanca's ambition to position itself as a key cultural destination. Built in the early 20th century by German merchant Carl Ficke, the villa has served various purposes over the years. Now, it embarks on a new chapter as a space for discovery and cultural exchange, open to all.
