FezArtLab was established in 2019 as a non-profit organization based in Fez, Morocco and strives to infuse contemporary arts into the historic Medina of Fez, representing an amalgam of historic preservation and artistic transformation. FezArtLab is dedicated to curating culturally innovative projects that resonate with the Fassi community, and champion the cultural legacy and artistic traditions of Fez. We are committed to serving the local community by promoting art as a vehicle for education, especially empowering young Moroccans to utilize their community spaces in culturally and socially positive ways. FezArtLab actively facilitates artistic and cultural exchanges, bringing together artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, education and heritage.
As part of our multifaceted initiatives, the Fez Art Lab hosts events and an annual festival, the International Artist Gathering of Fez. Now in its 7th year, and having collaborated with more than 120 artists and academics, the gathering is a week-long event including panels, exhibitions, breakout sessions and informal social activities which provide opportunities for the public to engage with artists, with artistic work, and cultivate new ideas through in-depth conversations. The event includes partnerships with local schools, cultural centers and community institutions in order to promote art education and art awareness among young Moroccans. All Fez Gathering events are free and open to the public.
Fez Art Lab Founder – Omar CHENNAFI
Omar Chennafi is a curator, photographer, and cultural manager born and raised in Fez, Morocco. For over a decade, his work has operated at the intersection of preservation and transformation, with a strong focus on cultural diplomacy and the creative industries. Moving beyond the notion of “art for art’s sake,” Omar investigates how the arts are both shaped by and actively shape larger systems such as cultural heritage, ecological sustainability, and socio-economic and cultural policies.
Deeply committed to the power of the arts in human development, Omar views artistic practice as a vital tool for healing, dialogue, and community resilience. His approach often explores the relationship between art and social change, emphasizing how creative expression can foster empathy, education, and sustainable futures.
Omar holds a postgraduate certification in curatorial practice. He was a CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellow with the Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) in 2020, during which he completed a residency at the Berlin Art Institute (October–November 2020). He has also taken part in several cultural management training programs in Germany, further deepening his knowledge and professional practice.
Omar has collaborated with numerous cultural institutions as a manager, consultant, and curator. He is currently a fellow of the prestigious Professional Fellows Program, supported by the U.S. Department of State.
He is the founder of the International Artists Gathering of Fez and the Fez Art Lab, both committed to promoting artistic exchange and empowering emerging creatives from Morocco and around the world. Omar also serves as the artistic director of CAMHS the Coalition of Artists and Mental Health Storytellers, where he continues to advocate for the role of art in mental health awareness, personal growth, and social well-being.