Morocco withdraws from Venice Biennale 2024 after curator controversy

Morocco has definitively withdrawn from its first-ever participation in the Venice Biennale Arte 2024, following a controversial dismissal of its appointed curatorial team. On January 15, the Moroccan Ministry of Culture removed curators Mahi Binebine, Imane Barakat, and Mostafa Aghrib, who had been tasked in September 2023 with proposing a project for the national pavilion. The decision was made public via a joint statement by the curators and the three selected artists—Majida Khatari, Safaa Erruas, and Fatiha Zemouri—who expressed disappointment: "With dignity we keep hope in this Morocco that hurts us." The team had already spent approximately $50,000 on production, including a 13-meter installation by Erruas, and had completed a site visit to Venice in late September 2023. They met the January 11 deadline set by the Biennale, but the ministry then delayed, eventually informing Binebine of a "second parallel project with different curators and artists." Rumors suggested Paris-based art historian Mouna Mekour might take over, but she never confirmed. Now, Morocco is no longer on the list of participating countries. The artists are considering presenting their exhibition elsewhere.