On the evening of Friday September 8th, Morocco experienced a devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 magnitude. This destructive event has resulted in the loss of over 2,000 lives and left 1,404 people with serious injuries. According to the World Health Organisation, the earthquake has already impacted more than 300,000 individuals, and this number is expected to rise.
As the urgent need for international aid becomes apparent, a collective known as Artists For Morocco has emerged. This collective is comprised of a group of 26 established and emerging Moroccan photographers and artists. They are led by Samira Larouci, the editor-at-large of Moroccan GQ Middle East, along with photographer Anass Ouaziz and designer Ismail Elaaddioui. The collective features a diverse range of talented artists, including Hassan Hajjaj, Meriem Bennani, Yto Barrada, Mous Lamrabat, Ilyes Griyeb, Hanane El Ouardani, Mounir Raji, Rida Tabit, Ismail Zaidy, Jinane Ennasri, Yoriyas Yassine Alaoui, Yassine Sellam, Mehdi El Mallali, Abdela Igmirien, Ismail Elaaddioui, Marouane Beslem, Mohamed Amine Houari, Ali El Madani, Salaheddine El Bouaaichi, Fatimazohra Serri, Joseph Ouechen, Iman Zaoin, M’hammed Kilito, Seif Kousmate, and Imane Djamil.
In an effort to raise crucial funds for on-the-ground assistance, Artists For Morocco has launched a print sale. All proceeds from this sale will be donated to two NGOs: Amal Women’s Training Center and Rif Tribes Foundation. Amal Women’s Training Center is a women’s charity based in Marrakesh that focuses on providing food assistance to earthquake victims in need. Their aim is to support affected individuals and families in rebuilding their lives and meeting their basic needs during this challenging time. Rif Tribes Foundation, on the other hand, is dedicated to bringing aid and support to remote villages that have been severely impacted by the earthquake. Their efforts include providing medical aid, shelter, and other essential supplies to help these communities recover and rebuild.
With their collective effort and the proceeds donated to these two NGOs, Artists For Morocco hopes to not only alleviate the suffering of the earthquake victims but also contribute to the long-term recovery and rehabilitation of the affected areas.
