Soukayna is an up-and-coming Moroccan-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, writer and art historian who moved from Montreal, Canada to Marrakech, Morocco. Primarily working to improve the creative network between artist communities in North America and Morocco, they are a vanguard pushing for an authentic and fruitful fusion of these cultural scenes.

Soukayna

Soukayna is an up-and-coming Moroccan-Canadian multidisciplinary artist, writer and art historian who moved from Montreal, Canada to Marrakech, Morocco. Primarily working to improve the creative network between artist communities in North America and Morocco, they’re a vanguard pushing for an authentic and fruitful fusion of these cultural scenes.

Since the Beat Generation’s presence across Morocco, Marrakech became a mainstay of the Western counter-cultural imagination, appearing as a hazy red-brick city of sensuality. Fortunately, in the past few decades, Moroccan communities have wrestled back autonomy, tearing down the Orientalist depictions. Now, Moroccan artists are taking control of their local cultural production and development, making Marrakech a buzzing artistic hub, with the city boasting its very own biennale and African Art Museum. In this guide, Soukayna hopes to introduce us to their favourite cultural spots across Marrakech.

Marrakech

They have great great exhibitions and programmes, they work a lot with Moroccan artists. It’s a beautiful space, it’s in the middle of the Medina and there are always cats napping outside. You know you’re at 18 when you see a bunch of cats napping. People are very very welcoming and they will come and talk to you. It’s a good space to meet people in the art scene. Go and sit in the terrace before your exhibition!

It’s a thrift shop that is actually owned by a Moroccan. Hamad has an incredible eye for curated pieces. He also designs some of the pieces that he sells there. You can get vintage pieces and also pieces made by a local Moroccan designer!

It's a concept store and I really recommend the cheese and tomato briwats! Their msemen kefta wrap is delicious and it’s a cute spot to sit and work at. And the cook is named Saida and she’s super sweet.

Another art-space with programmes but very different dynamic and scene from Dix huit. It’s very much about exploring alternative art and more underground art. They do programmes with different associations in Morocco. They do film projections as well. They have a space called La Garage where they sometimes have parties and invite DJs. It’s more underground.

Keep an eye out for their instagram account where they announce pretty cool underground events if you’re looking for something that’s not so mainstream.



It has a very beautiful garden, drinks are very very cheap and food is great! The staff are super nice and they sometimes let you connect your phone to the AUX cord.