Watch: Sharjah’s ‘Folktales Reimagined’ travelling exhibition debuts in Morocco

Rabat, Morocco: At the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, inaugurated the Moroccan edition of the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition at the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco, highlighting Sharjah’s role as Guest of Honour.

This unique exhibition, organised by the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) in collaboration with IBBY Morocco and the National Library, features ten artists—five Emirati and five Moroccan.

Each artist reinterprets a folktale from the other’s culture, blending traditional narratives with modern artistic expressions to engage new generations with the rich folklore of the UAE and Morocco.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, commented on the project’s evolution since its debut at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2022, stating, “Our goal is to transform this exhibition into a cultural movement that takes folktales across borders. This edition in Morocco reflects the global interest in exploring folklore through artistic lenses.”

She added: “We aim to establish ‘Folktales Reimagined’ as a lasting platform where artists from various countries can explore each other’s stories, symbols, and social contexts, enriching the educational and cultural value of these tales and creating a universal language for cross-cultural dialogue.”

This is the sixth installment of the travelling exhibition, following showcases in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Greece, and Russia. Each venue has fostered a space for cultural exchange, allowing artists and visitors to delve into common values, memories, and aspirations that connect diverse communities.

The exhibition in Morocco showcases innovative artworks that reinterpret traditional tales through personal, contemporary lenses. Highlights include Emirati artist Amna Al Ketbi’s take on the Moroccan tale of Hadidan le Rusé and Khalid Al-Khawar’s depiction of The Weaver’s Daughter. From the Moroccan contingent, Mohamed Haïti reimagines the Emirati tale of Al-Hama, and Sophia Alami offers a fresh take on Oum Rukheesh.

Employing a range of artistic techniques from digital art to poster design, the artists use visual language effectively to bring these stories to life for a modern audience. This approach not only preserves the tales but also makes them accessible and engaging for today’s digital-native viewers.

“Folktales Reimagined” was originally launched in 2019 as part of Sharjah’s UNESCO World Book Capital celebrations by UAEBBY. The initiative aims to foster cultural understanding and revive the narrative heritage of diverse communities through artistic storytelling. The exhibition has successfully toured multiple countries, resonating with international audiences and underscoring the universal appeal and cultural significance of folktales.