Third Edition, 2009

The 3rd Edition of the AiM International Biennale has been a triumph indeed. The opening of the principal AiM exhibition, ‘A Proposal for Articulating Works & Places’ curated by Abdellah Karroum, at the Palais Bahia was attended by over 500 people.  Exhibiting works by Francis Alys, Faouzi Bensaidi, Seamus Farrell, Jean-Francois-Fourtou, Adel Abdessemed and Batoul S’Himi to name but a few. The exhibition itself comprises over 35 artists and continued until 19th January 2010.  For more details and exhibition images please see: http://works-and-places.appartement22.com. Along with Abedellah Karroum's interview with the legendary Joseph Kosuth the Visual Arts programme was an undoubted triumph.

The literary events held at Riad El Fenn and organized by Alexandra Pringle (Bloomsbury) & Abdellah Taia (Author of Salvation Army, An Arab Melancholy & My Morocco), were fascinating and thought-provoking, introducing internationally acclaimed authors, such as Ahdaf Soueif & Andrew O’Hagan, and up and coming young writers (for example Leila Hafyane & Fadwa Islah) to an eclectic audience. The presence of Moroccan writers at AiM was stronger than ever this year and we are extremely grateful to Abdellah Taia, who was instrumental in bringing so much fresh Moroccan talent to AiM.

AiM was also blessed again this year with another amazing line-up of filmmakers including Julian Schnabel, John Boorman, John Hillcoat, James Marsh, Eric Fellner, Ahmed El Maanouni, Joana Hadjithomas, Faouzi Bensaidi, Danny Moynihan and Alan Yentob. The addition of Kim Cattrall was definitely the icing on the cake, and her frank and entertaining conversation with John Boorman, one of the many highlights.  We are extremely grateful to all those who took part and so generously gave up their time, but special thanks must go to Alan Yentob, Danny Moynihan, Vincent Melilli and Stuart Comer for putting together such a formidable film programme.

Other special events at AiM included the projection of Isaac Julien’s Western Union: Small Boats in the concrete shell of the unfinished opera house at the Royal Theatre.  We are very grateful to Puma Creative for making this extraordinary event possible.

Stories of Order & Disorder, was an incredible project created and directed by Julien Fisera & Laurent P. Berger. With over 30 Moroccan storytellers, both professional and amateur, and 15 petit taxis, this project took the celebrated Moroccan tradition of storytelling mobile. In combination with the ‘I am Djemma Al Fna’ t-shirts in Arabic, English & French, this project reached over 3000 people in Marrakech.

The Taverna Especial produced by the Sketch Gallery Foundation, London, was a remarkable event held at Kssour Agafay – the food & drinks, the block-printed banners and cushions that dominated the central courtyard, and the light and sound installation by Younes Baba-Ali all added to the convivial and theatrical atmosphere. We are very grateful to Victoria Brooks, Giles Round & Mark Aerial-Waller for this great addition to AiM.

The unforgettable Apothecary’s Tea Party at Riad Magi exploded with colour and music. The beautiful surroundings of Riad Magi, the poetry, installations, photography and of course, the tea, made this a unique event in the AiM calendar.

Here’s to more great events in 2011!

For images of AiM 2009 please see the gallery. For any press enquiries or request for high resolution images please email: info@aimbiennale.org

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