The headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat saw the inauguration of the ICESCO Gallery for Contemporary Art. The first exhibition in the Gallery was dubbed “Painting of Hope” and was organized in partnership with the Arab Group of the Charitable Diplomatic Circle in Morocco and in cooperation with the Karmadi Workshop, as part of the Organization’s celebration of the Islamic World Heritage Month, under the theme, “United for Arts and Heritage.”

The Exhibition was inaugurated Thursday, 20 May 2021, with the special participation of Ms. Jamila El-Moussali, Minister of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family in Morocco; Dr. Driss Ouaouicha: Minister Delegate in Charge of Higher Education; Ms. Nezha Ouafi, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates in Charge of Moroccan Expatriates;  Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; leaderships at the Diplomatic Club in Rabat, and a host of officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rabat. 

In his address at the ceremony, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed that ICESCO Gallery for Contemporary Art strives to become a special destination for sponsoring arts and creativity in Member States and keeping up with the different artistic and creative trends. He added that through this Gallery, the Organization aims to send a civilizational message about supporting arts and creative people and setting up workshops for contemporary arts and creations including calligraphy, sculptures, miniatures, photography, etc.

In the same vein, ICESCO Director-General stated that this Gallery will be an opportunity to receive creations highlighting aspects of beauty in the Islamic civilization through sponsoring creators and nurturing blooming creative and artistic faculties to evolve into creative and aesthetic talents.

For her part, Ms. Nidaa Ezzat Sabry, President of the Arab Group of the Charitable Diplomatic Circle Morocco, reaffirmed that the Gallery reflects civilizational intermix and cultural diversity, two permanent sources of inspiration for artists. She announced that proceeds from the Exhibition will be donated to Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat for the treatment of children with cancer.

Following the inauguration, visitors toured the exhibitions which featured more than 130 paintings made by 28 Moroccan artists in addition to a host of Arab artists.