Under the High Patronage of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco

French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF)

presents

World Nomads Morocco

Under the High Patronage of

His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco

FIAF’s Spring Festival Exploring Transculturalism

MUSIC - TALKS - CINEMA - VISUAL ARTS - ARCHITECTURE

May 2011 at FIAF

NEW YORK, April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF) announced today the fourth edition of its annual World Nomads Festival, which this year showcases the arts and culture of Morocco. The month-long, multi-disciplinary Festival, celebrating 21st-century transculturalism through the arts while advancing critical thinking and dialogue among cultures, will be held in May 2011 and is presented in partnership with leading Moroccan and U.S. organizations.

Morocco is recognized worldwide for its distinctive and layered cultural identity. The country's unique geographical location has made it a crossroad for ancient trade routes, and continues to contribute to its importance as a migratory highway for ideas and peoples. Today's Morocco shines as a hub of traditional and modern creative expression, where ancient cultural practices thrive, kept alive by a full spectrum of master artisans, performing artists, and more, while innovations are woven into vibrant contemporary artistic forms. The World Nomads Festival arrives this year at a historic time for the region to celebrate the many facets of Morocco.

As Chief Curator Zeyba Rahman states, "The Festival is conceived as a journey through the kaleidoscopic culture of Morocco that is anchored both in rich heritage and exciting artistic innovation. It has been immeasurably enriched by partnerships with the foremost Moroccan and American organizations and we are delighted with the results of our collaboration."

"It is timely to honor Morocco this year on the occasion of our annual World Nomads Festival," says Lili Chopra, Artistic Director of FIAF. "This May we look forward to hosting a great celebration of Morocco in all of its diversity, echoed throughout the city in partnership with numerous New York cultural institutions."

This year's World Nomads Festival will explore the themes of Morocco's parallel ancient/modern culture, sustainability, women, and the environment. Highlights include an inaugural concert featuring Judeo-Arab Andalusian music by the celebrated Orchestra of Fes led by Mohamed Briouel with star Jewish vocalist Francoise Atlan; master Gnaoua musicians Mustapha Bakbou and Mahmoud Guinea accompanied by Moroccan-American Gnaoua musician Hassan Hakmoun; the New York-based Moroccan musician Brahim Fribgane performing with French-Lebanese trumpeter Ibrahim Maalouf; the break-out young Moroccan rapper Soultana; acclaimed classical pianist Marouan Benabdallah; leading contemporary Moroccan women visual artists Amina Agueznay, Safaa Erruas, and Najia Mehadji; Untangling Threads, an installation of carpets by women weavers; writers Mahi BineBine and Abdellah Taia; architects Aziza Chaouni and Tarik Oualalou; an immersive audiovisual installation featuring sounds collected in Fes, Marrakech, and Tangier presented in a live concert experience from the international collective Soundwalk; and recent Moroccan films, among other preeminent artistic voices of contemporary Morocco and its diaspora.

World Nomads Morocco is curated by Zeyba Rahman, Chief Curator, and Lili Chopra, FIAF's Artistic Director.

For more information about the Festival, visit us at fiaf.org/worldnomads.

About World Nomads Morocco

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the annual World Nomads Festival, produced by the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF), celebrates the phenomenon of 21st-century transculturalism through the arts and scholarly discussion, offering a platform for the exchange of ideas and artistic expression among traditional and contemporary cultures. This May, the fourth edition of the Festival arrives at a particularly suitable time to celebrate the many facets of Morocco.

About FIAF

FIAF's mission is to create and offer New Yorkers innovative and unique programs in education and the arts that explore the evolving diversity and richness of French cultures. FIAF seeks to generate new ideas and promote cross cultural dialogue through partnerships and new platforms of expression. www.fiaf.org

Media Contact: Natascha Bodemann, French Institute Alliance Francaise, 646 388 6677, nbodemann@fiaf.org

SOURCE French Institute Alliance Francaise

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