Rethinking Cultural Mobility: Lessons from Morocco

A new case study published by Culture Funding Watch, within the framework of the Deconfining project, turns attention to Morocco and its role in shaping new models of artistic mobility across the African continent.

Developed under the Culture Moves Africa program, the study highlights how locally grounded approaches to funding and collaboration can play a decisive role in enabling mobility — particularly in contexts where traditional funding systems remain limited.

Local Solutions Driving Mobility

One of the key insights emerging from the Moroccan case is the importance of structured local private patronage. Rather than relying solely on international funding mechanisms, the study shows how local actors and resources can actively support artistic mobility within Africa — offering more flexible and context-sensitive pathways for artists and cultural professionals.

This approach reflects a broader shift: mobility is no longer only dependent on external funding structures, but can also be initiated and sustained locally.

From Resource Constraints to Innovation

The case study also points to a recurring theme across the Deconfining research: constraints often lead to innovation.

By optimising existing resources and adopting proactive strategies, cultural actors are finding ways to:
 

• Strengthen regional connections
• Facilitate exchange across borders
• Build sustainable collaboration models

 
This aligns with wider findings from the Deconfining project, which seeks to improve access to information and develop more equitable systems for cross-continental cooperation between Africa and Europe.

A Model with Broader Relevance

While rooted in Morocco, the implications of this case study extend far beyond a single national context.

> Access the full case study HERE