A Cultural Renaissance: Jardin Majorelle and Fondation Ali Zaoua Unite for Youth Empowerment
In the heart of Marrakech, where bold colors meet botanical splendor, a quiet cultural revolution is underway. Two of Morocco’s most influential foundations—Fondation Jardin Majorelle and Fondation Ali Zaoua—have joined forces to offer underprivileged youth an unprecedented immersion into the artistic, historical, and cultural treasures of their heritage.
Launched in October 2024, this collaborative program is already surpassing expectations. Designed as a cultural mediation initiative, it aims to bridge the gap between Moroccan youth and the rich tapestry of their national identity. With over 350 children already engaged—well over half of the annual target of 600—the program is fast becoming a benchmark for cultural inclusion.
An Immersive Journey Through Heritage
Each week during the academic year, children aged 9 to 11 from public schools and local associations are invited to experience more than just a museum visit. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday becomes a window into wonder, as they explore the Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. But the initiative goes far beyond observation. Interactive workshops in weaving, drawing, pottery, and gardening—led by skilled artisans and creators—transform each visit into a multi-sensory voyage of learning and self-discovery.
This immersive approach allows the children not only to witness but also to touch, feel, and recreate elements of their heritage, making the past resonate with the creativity of their present.
Voices of Impact
“We are proud to offer young people the chance to discover the Jardin Majorelle and its museums in such an inspiring and educational setting,” shares Siham Kraifa, Director of the Jardin Majorelle. “As a Moroccan, seeing these children marvel at the richness of their own heritage is an immense source of pride.”
Julie Arnoux, the program’s Educational Director, adds, “This project is the result of collective effort—teachers, schools, artisans, and cultural mediators coming together to provide a meaningful, transformative experience. The transmission of heritage is a duty, and this initiative exemplifies that beautifully.”
Foundations Built on Purpose
The Fondation Jardin Majorelle, a unique cultural institution in Morocco, is committed to the preservation and promotion of some of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks—Jardin Majorelle, Villa Oasis, the Berber Arts Museum, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. As a nonprofit organization, it self-finances all its projects and supports educational, cultural, and social programs throughout the Kingdom.
Its partner, the Fondation Ali Zaoua, was created by renowned Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch and artist Mahi Binebine. For over a decade, the foundation has pioneered socio-cultural development through proximity-based cultural centers. Focused on empowering youth from marginalized communities, it offers a wide range of artistic workshops and professional training opportunities. With its Ali Zaoua Academy for Cultural Professions and e-learning platform, the foundation continues to redefine access to culture as a basic human right.
Culture as a Catalyst for Inclusion
This collaboration is more than a program; it is a statement—of hope, of heritage, and of Morocco’s unwavering belief in the power of culture to uplift. As children step through the cobalt gates of Jardin Majorelle or mold clay under the guidance of local artisans, they are not just learning about their past—they are shaping their future.
In a world where cultural capital often dictates opportunity, initiatives like these stand as beacons of equity and inspiration. For the youth of Marrakech, every visit is not just a trip through a garden or a museum—it is a journey home.
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