Morocco launches 4th edition of ‘Treasures of Traditional Moroccan Arts’ programme

RABAT — In a country where history is etched into every carved cedar beam, hand-woven rug, and painted zellige tile, the preservation of ancestral craftsmanship is more than a cultural preference—it is a matter of civilizational survival.

To ensure these centuries-old skills do not fade into obscurity, Morocco has officially launched the 4th edition of the programme of its landmark national initiative, “Treasures of Traditional Moroccan Arts” (Trésors des arts traditionnels marocains).

The pioneering programme, organized by the Secretariat of State in charge of Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy in close partnership with UNESCO, is structured as a direct intervention to protect and transmit Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage. This latest phase targets 10 traditional crafts identified as being at high risk of disappearing. To carry out this vital cultural rescue mission, 12 master artisans have been officially designated as living “Treasures” and will spearhead a rigorous, integrated curriculum to train and pass their rare expertise on to 120 selected young apprentices.

Building on Rabat’s historical third edition

This newly launched phase builds directly upon the sweeping success and political momentum of the program’s 3rd edition, which was launched in Rabat on November 11, 2025.

Placed under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI and held under the evocative theme “From the heritage of ancestors to the creativity of descendants: a youth that preserves Moroccan identity,” the third edition marked a critical turning point in how Morocco views its creative heritage.

A shield against modern erasure

In an era of rapid globalization and automated mass production, Morocco’s unique, labor-intensive crafts face an existential threat. When a master craftsman passes away without an apprentice to inherit their secrets, a highly specialized, centuries-old lineage of human knowledge is lost forever.

By funding structured, months-long mentorships under the “Treasures” program, Morocco is not merely teaching young people a trade; it is actively creating a sustainable, premium economy around high-value-added manual arts. The 4th edition’s focus on 120 young apprentices ensures that these ten endangered crafts will transition from fragile, at-risk traditions into vibrant, career-yielding practices.

The “Treasures of Traditional Moroccan Arts” ensures that the exquisite handiwork admired by visitors in the historic medinas of Fes, Meknes, Marrakech, and Rabat continues to be made by the passionate hands of Morocco’s youth.