Artists for Morocco launches online print sale to aid earthquake relief

Following the catastrophic earthquake that struck Morocco on the evening of September 8, 2023—the most violent in North Africa in 50 years, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale—a collective of artists and photographers called Artists for Morocco has mobilized to raise funds. The earthquake devastated the Atlas region and rural villages, with many areas still awaiting aid. Severe damage has been recorded to Marrakech's cultural heritage, including mosques, ancient walls, and historic buildings. The initiative, led by GQ Middle East editor Samira Larouci, photographer Anass Ouaziz, and designer Ismail Elaaddioui, features 26 artists including Hassan Hajjaj, Meriem Bennani, Yto Barrada, Mous Lamrabat, Ilyes Griyeb, and Hanane El Ouardani. The sale of photographic prints on artistsformorocco.com depicts Morocco's light, colors, and landscapes, reflecting Berber, Arab, and European influences. Proceeds will benefit two NGOs: Amal Women's Training Center in Marrakesh, which delivers food to victims, and Rif Tribes Foundation, which supports remote villages affected by the earthquake.