Tetouan, Morocco is the ideal art-making location. Situated in the North of Morocco, nestled up against the Mediterranean Sea in a beautiful valley where two mountain ranges meet, is a jewel of a city, Tetouan. Many travelers I’ve spoken with who have traveled in these parts (and that’s quite a few) have commented on how Tetouan is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco (if not the most). Tetouan’s old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and culture. Tetouan also touts Morocco’s most prestigious National Fine Arts Institute and has art “in its blood” on a grassroots level in a way that is rarely seen in this part of the world!
The National Fine Arts Institute
The confluence of these factors (its natural beauty, rich history and culture, and grassroots art culture) make Tetouan, Morocco a great location for an artist residency. Add to that its proximity and accessibility to Europe and a variety of important natural and ecological sites in the region, along with the affordability of local goods and services, and you have and ideal location for the visiting artist. Unlike some of the country’s large polished tourism hotspots, Tetouan is still a place where the authenticity of the people and place lies raw, uncut, and close to the surface, allowing the artist a valuable glimpse into the real lives of real people.
“Alright” you say, “I’m ready to come make art in Tetouan, Morocco, but how could I possibly make that work, with all the arrangements for accommodations, connections to local people resources, and a place to work?” That’s where Green Olive Arts comes in! We are currently developing the infrastructure, studio spaces and connections you, as an artist, need for a productive art-making season in this ideal location. Two of Green Olive Arts’ founders are themselves artists (see their work here rachelpearsey.com and here jeffmcrobbie.com) who have first hand knowledge of what an artist needs to work here.
So, come join us, and be inspired to create afresh in an art residency at Green Olive Arts! We will soon be accepting applications, so stay tuned!
