Nearly 40 years ago, the Moroccan seaside town of Assilah was a mostly-forgotten fishing port with little in the way of tourist numbers. Today, it attracts more than 200,000 visitors yearly for what has become one of the most exciting events on the cultural calendar: The International Cultural Festival, set over three weeks in August.<br />Each year, artists from across the globe descend on the town's medina (the walled quarters common in many North African cities) and cover all available white spaces with murals. <br />One of those that made the trip is Syrian artist Khaled Al Saai (pictured).<br />"I have included a poem about peace, and included a lot of optimism, which is needed in today's world," he says.<br /><em>Words Richard Duebel</em>
Nearly 40 years ago, the Moroccan seaside town of Assilah was a mostly-forgotten fishing port with little in the way of tourist numbers. Today, it attracts more than 200,000 visitors yearly for what has become one of the most exciting events on the cultural calendar: The International Cultural Festival, set over three weeks in August.
Each year, artists from across the globe descend on the town's medina (the walled quarters common in many North African cities) and cover all available white spaces with murals.
One of those that made the trip is Syrian artist Khaled Al Saai (pictured).
"I have included a poem about peace, and included a lot of optimism, which is needed in today's world," he says.
Words Richard Duebel
Richard Duebel
Former Assilah mayor Mohamed Benaissa deserves much of the credit for reimagining the town. The festival, after all, was his idea."We didn't have any natural resources other than the abilities of our citizens," he explains. "From the outset, we decided to develop the local talents of the people."
Former Assilah mayor Mohamed Benaissa deserves much of the credit for reimagining the town. The festival, after all, was his idea."We didn't have any natural resources other than the abilities of our citizens," he explains. "From the outset, we decided to develop the local talents of the people."
Richard Duebel
Each year, before the start of the festival, local painters cover last year's murals with a coat of white, providing a clean slate for the new wave of artists. <br />In previous years, local children would help in the clean-up effort, picking up trash and ultimately contributing their own works of art to the medina walls.
Each year, before the start of the festival, local painters cover last year's murals with a coat of white, providing a clean slate for the new wave of artists.
In previous years, local children would help in the clean-up effort, picking up trash and ultimately contributing their own works of art to the medina walls.
Richard Duebel
Japanese artist Mizue Sawano is one of the international talents who participated in this year's festival. One of the main objectives of the event is to build a cultural bridge between Assilah and the rest of the world.<br />"Not many people from Assilah travel abroad," says one of the participants. <br />"By bringing the books, music and art over here, we have some idea of life elsewhere."
Japanese artist Mizue Sawano is one of the international talents who participated in this year's festival. One of the main objectives of the event is to build a cultural bridge between Assilah and the rest of the world.
"Not many people from Assilah travel abroad," says one of the participants.
"By bringing the books, music and art over here, we have some idea of life elsewhere."
Richard Duebel
American artist Richard Dana also participated in this year's event. The influx of visitors to the town during the summer months gives local businesses a big boost.<br />"We get thousands of extra visitors from Morocco because of the new murals that go up each summer," says one of the local inhabitants. <br />"We can easily rent our house out for the holiday period and live off the profits for the next few months."
American artist Richard Dana also participated in this year's event. The influx of visitors to the town during the summer months gives local businesses a big boost.
"We get thousands of extra visitors from Morocco because of the new murals that go up each summer," says one of the local inhabitants.
"We can easily rent our house out for the holiday period and live off the profits for the next few months."
Richard Duebel
The festival also provides a learning opportunity for the local community. Many artists are given a hand by young Moroccan assistants, who not only provide their assistance, but also pick up valuable skills.
The festival also provides a learning opportunity for the local community. Many artists are given a hand by young Moroccan assistants, who not only provide their assistance, but also pick up valuable skills.
Richard Duebel
A number of the participating artists also lead workshops. Al Saai, for instance, taught a calligraphy course this year.
A number of the participating artists also lead workshops. Al Saai, for instance, taught a calligraphy course this year.
Richard Duebel
Peruvian artist Juan Valladares taught an engraving course while participating in the festival.<br />"It's a wonderful opportunity for Moroccans and others to pick up a new skill," he says.
Peruvian artist Juan Valladares taught an engraving course while participating in the festival.
"It's a wonderful opportunity for Moroccans and others to pick up a new skill," he says.
Richard Duebel
Every year, festival organizers invite a different country to participate as a guest. This year, Bahrain was the country of choice. A group of over 160 artists, musicians, writers and delegates joined in the festivities.
Every year, festival organizers invite a different country to participate as a guest. This year, Bahrain was the country of choice. A group of over 160 artists, musicians, writers and delegates joined in the festivities.
Richard Duebel
Bahraini artist Adnan Al Ahmed also created a mural. <br />"We are here to see how Bahrain and other countries can come together in all manner of ways, whether economic, social or cultural," says Sheikh Mohammed ibn Mubarak Al Khalifah, Bahrain's deputy prime minister.
Bahraini artist Adnan Al Ahmed also created a mural.
"We are here to see how Bahrain and other countries can come together in all manner of ways, whether economic, social or cultural," says Sheikh Mohammed ibn Mubarak Al Khalifah, Bahrain's deputy prime minister.
Richard Duebel
Bahraini artist Asghar Ismail drew a picture of a woman holding an instrument on his slice of wall, located near the Assilah seaside. In addition to demonstrating the talents of their painters, the Bahrain delegation also hosted other exhibits, including one that showcased items of traditional dress, such as thobes and embroidered gowns.
Bahraini artist Asghar Ismail drew a picture of a woman holding an instrument on his slice of wall, located near the Assilah seaside. In addition to demonstrating the talents of their painters, the Bahrain delegation also hosted other exhibits, including one that showcased items of traditional dress, such as thobes and embroidered gowns.
Richard Duebel
Bahrain's Mohammed Bin Faris Band also performed classical Arabic music, giving spectators a further taste of Bahraini culture.
Bahrain's Mohammed Bin Faris Band also performed classical Arabic music, giving spectators a further taste of Bahraini culture.
Richard Duebel