Marrakech is changing. Despite the Moroccans longing for modernity, traditional fine art clogs the souks. It was not until Vanessa Branson, Richard Branson’s sister, started the Marrakech Biennale in 2004 that the town enhanced artistically. The event encouraged dialogue and diversity among international and local arts communities, with venues in both the walled old town and the Ville Nouvelle.
Modernism has touched medina, changing historic riads into hip cafés, hot spots and social hubs of an emerging art scene. There is Laila Hida, who created Le 18 Derb el Ferrane, a philanthropic new studio space, operating as a blank canvas for artists and photographers, poets and writers, dancers and musicians to work, exhibit and perform.
