RESIDENCY TO THE MARGINS
Residency of 9 days - From 16 to 25 September 2026
DEADLINE OF APPLICATIONS : July 20th 2026
Created by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for freedom (FNF)-Morocco, in partnership with American Arts Center, Bayt Al Fenn is an open call for artistic creations projects under the theme:
« TO THE MARGINS ».
Bayt Al Fenn is a thematic laboratory of inventiveness, a collaborative artistic platform for all disciplines, a space-time for reflection, experimentation and creation, offering artists support for their projects, from inception to public presentation.
Bayt Al Fenn’s creative support program is aimed at Moroccan artists, whatever their artistic field: music, dance, theater, storytelling, circus, plastic arts, audiovisuals, visual arts, etc. The stated aim is to encourage creativity in all its diversity, and to bring real added value to the Moroccan artistic production sector, with a particular focus on emerging artists. Whether they are in the process of becoming professional artists, aspiring professionals or established artists, artists can benefit from Bayt Al Fenn’s support.
ELIGIBILITYCONDITIONS
- Call open to artists aged 18 to 40, resident in Morocco and involved in the art field.
- The artist(s) must be available for 8 consecutive days, from September 16 to 25, 2026, for the residency session, and undertakes to be continuously present in the workspace provided.
- The artist must be present at the exhibition of the project on November 12 in Casablanca.
THEME 2026 :
The sixth edition of Bayt Al Fenn, themed “On the Margins,” examines urban upheavals in Morocco and their impact on community life. It reminds us that historically, medinas housed a supportive society where all classes coexisted within a single shared space. Today, rapid modernization and real estate speculation disrupt this balance by pushing vulnerable populations away from city centers.
The residency calls upon artists to occupy these fracture zones to reveal what administrative planning conceals: memories, neighborhood solidarity, and the intimate experience of displacement. By embracing the margin as a territory for observation and creation, artists restore a voice to forgotten narratives and open up a debate on the model of an inclusive city that we want to build together.
NB : For more information on this year’s theme Click here
PROJECT SELECTION
Artists must submit a project proposal centered on this year’s theme. Candidates should explore the intersections of art with political, sociological, economic, or societal dimensions, drawing inspiration from the broader artistic ecosystem. The proposal should reflect a critical and innovative approach, connecting their creative practice to relevant contemporary discourse.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following:
- Conceptual Relevance – Strength of thematic engagement and critical inquiry
- Innovation & Vision – Originality, creative risk-taking, and forward -thinking potential
- Thematic Coherence – Clear alignment with the residency’s conceptual framework
- Feasibility – Appropriateness for available resources, space, and timeframe
- Methodological Rigor – Clarity and viability of the proposed creative process
- Sustainable Impact – Potential for continued development beyond the residency
The jury committee, composed of representatives from the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Morocco, the American Arts Center, and resident mentors, will review all applications. Please note that due to the volume of submissions, the committee cannot provide individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.
APPLICATIONPROCEDURES
To submit your project, please download and duly complete the attached form and return it before midnight on 20 July 2026 to the following e-mail address: [email protected], together with the following information:
- The fully completed submission form, including a detailed presentation of the project to be carried out during the residency. Answers to the questions must be concise, while precisely explaining the artistic approach and the creative process. The use of artificial intelligence tools for writing the proposals is discouraged.
- An artistic portfolio containing visuals of works and/or exhibitions by the artist(s) behind the project.
- An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae, if possible, including links to social media profiles.
- You may attach any other useful documents or links (folders, visuals, videos, websites…) to support the application.
All applications must be sent by email only and must not exceed 10 MB in total.
Please indicate in the email subject: « Application: To the margins. »
The results of the selection will be communicated by email from September 1, 2026.