Art & Culture

International Arts & Culture programme

So why Morocco?

A brief overview
Rich in its cultural heritage, artisan workers and design development, Morocco's skill base is a valuable resource for learning & training for your students. There is no such thing as copyright in Morocco. Sketch an idea and a prototype can easily be made. If it works, it is highly likely that an entrepreneurial Moroccan will be flooding the market with copies within weeks. With literally thousands of expatriates and creative individuals ordering items to their own design, the Moroccan craft industry has one of the best and cheapest research and development facilities in the world. The rich exchange of ideas ensures its craftsmen are still actively employed and their craft is constantly adapting and developing in new markets. The country also offers the experience of a very different culture, giving your students the chance to gain an insight into another way of life among what must be one of the most hospitable peoples in the world.

International Arts & Culture Programme - base: Marrakech

In addition to the skills development set as outlined on our introduction page, this trip is designed to:

Contribute to the students' artistic practice
Give students fresh inspiration
Widen students' awareness of art & design practices in non-European countries
Introduce students to new ways of working
Offer the opportunity of understanding the practice of design to market
Reinforce the necessity for skill development
Give the students a real world, real time experience which can be linked to project/s already begun in their own studies

What's involved?

Your students will have the opportunity to undergo training in specific skill areas of Moroccan craftwork, according to their particular disciplines i.e. textiles, interior design techniques, fashion, mosaics, ceramics, calligraphy, shoemaking, led by fully vetted masters in their craft. They will be able to see how businesses operate in another culture and have the opportunity to interview, ask questions and make notes on what they experience. Students will also be able to visit stunning examples of Islamic architecture to develop their sketchbook work.

Back up information on the arts & culture of Morocco will be supplied to your students both pre and during the trip itself, to enable them to benefit to the full from their experience.

Example Programme:

Day 1 - Fly UK to Morocco
- Accommodation central hotel

Day 2 - Breakfast at hotel
Introduction to the Marrakech souks : walking tour to visit the carpenters'
quarter, metalworkers (blacksmiths & coppersmiths)
Lunch in Marrakech
Afternoon : Dyers' souk & free time
Evening meal at hotel & review the day

Day 3 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning visit to the tanneries and learn how the cleaned leather hides are used Lunch in Marrakech
Afternoon hands on visits to see how traditional Moroccan leather shoes (babouches) are made
Evening meal : eat on central square Djemma El Fna
Review the day

Day 4 - Breakfast at hotel
Sketchbook morning at 14th Century Koranic Learning School, the Ben Youssef Medersa (zellige tile work, calligraphic plasterwork)
Lunch in Marrakech
Afternoon visit to Musee de Marrakech & art gallery featuring calligraphy art
Evening meal at hotel & review the day

Day 5 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning visits to zellige artisans, hands on trying out cutting mosaic shapes Lunch in Marrakech
Afternoon visit to Riad 20 mins from centre of Marrakech to have Henna painting on hands/feet.
Evening meal at the Riad.

Day 6 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning hands on workshop at Weaving centre (one of the oldest established Weaving houses in the city)
Lunch in Marrakech
Afternoon hands on visits to embroideries
Evening visit to Hammam (traditional bath house) & meal at hotel

Day 7 - Breakfast at hotel
Morning visit to Yves St. Laurent's garden
Day at leisure to explore souks, go shopping etc.
Last meal together at rooftop restaurant near Main Square

Day 8 - Breakfast at hotel
Fly home

Health and Safety

Safety of the students & staff is of paramount importance at all times during our Real World Journeys Education trip.

A full risk assessment is carried out prior to the trip.
A comprehensive medical kit is carried at all times by the leaders.
Both the U.K. and Moroccan team are very experienced travellers and our Moroccan Real World Journeys team leader has over 10 years mountain guiding experience.
Real World Journeys has an in depth knowledge of the country and how it works.
Pre-trip meetings are arranged with staff, students and parents to give full information on the trip and answer any questions. A full pre-trip briefing is given to the group which includes all health & safety measures.
Students are required to carry their own medical insurance and we are happy to provide any advice on this matter.

If you are interested in discussing International Arts & Culture opportunities for your students, please contact Ingrid Wagner on:
0191 228 9888 / 0778 637 6819
or Email info@ingridwagner.com

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