French Arab culture institute head makes landmark visit to Morocco

The President of the Institut du monde arabe (IMA), Anne-Claire Legendre, embarks on a six-day official visit to Morocco from June 19 to 24, 2026. Invited by Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, this trip marks her first official engagement in the Kingdom since assuming leadership of the Paris-based institution in February.

During her stay in Morocco, Legendre will travel across Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. The visit is set to strengthen cultural ties between the IMA and Moroccan institutions, building on months of prior discussions. A key highlight will be her meeting with Bensaid to finalize a joint cultural roadmap, focusing on emerging creative sectors such as animation, comics, Arabic-language publishing, and film.

A fresh chapter in Franco-Moroccan cultural diplomacy

This visit follows an earlier meeting in Paris, where Legendre and Bensaid laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation. The roadmap aims to deepen exchanges in sectors identified as priorities for both nations. Morocco’s cultural leaders will also participate in discussions, ensuring a collaborative approach to shared initiatives.

Breaking new ground as the first woman at the helm of the IMA

Legendre took charge of the IMA on February 17, 2026, succeeding Jack Lang, who led the institution for 13 years. Before joining the IMA, she served as Advisor to the French President for North Africa and the Middle East, a role she held from December 2023. Her appointment as the first woman to lead the IMA since its founding in 1980 underscores a new era for the institution.

The IMA was established under a unique diplomatic framework, with 19 Arab League member states—including Morocco—joining France to fund its creation. Designed as a bridge between France, Europe, and the Arab world, the institution has evolved into a key platform for cultural dialogue.

From Paris to Rabat: Strengthening institutional ties

In March 2026, Legendre met in Paris with Mehdi Qotbi, President of Morocco’s National Museums Foundation, to explore new partnership opportunities. Qotbi linked these efforts to the Enhanced Exceptional Partnership between Morocco and France, driven by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.

This upcoming visit to Morocco will translate these high-level discussions into tangible initiatives, reinforcing the cultural and creative collaboration between the two nations.