Green Olive Arts – Tetouan, Morocco

International Urban Art Residency Connecting Global Creatives with Morocco’s Cultural Richness

Overview

Green Olive Arts (GOA) operates as an international art studio and urban artist residency in Tetouan, Morocco—a UNESCO World Heritage city in the country’s culturally vibrant north. Founded in 2013 by American artists Jeff McRobbie and Rachel Pearsey, this artist-run space has hosted over 200 artists from 35+ countries, specializing in connecting global creatives with Moroccan culture, beauty, and artistic communities. Offering 3-6 week residency periods with both shared and private studio options in a historic 10-room family home, GOA provides well-equipped production facilities including woodshop, printmaking resources, gallery space, and comprehensive concierge services—from housing recommendations to gallery connections—while maintaining affordable fee-based access for artists across all disciplines.

Founding Vision: Artists Creating for Artists

Origin Story:

Green Olive Arts represents the culmination of dreams held by founders Jeff McRobbie and Rachel Pearsey, two American artists who spent years creating art in Morocco before establishing GOA. Their shared vision: creating a collaborative art space where foreign and local artists could experience the richness of creating art in community.

Core Mission:

“Resource creative individuals of both emerging and established artistic talent from around the world in seasons of:

• Inspiration – discovering fresh creative energy in Moroccan context
• Production – focused making with professional facilities and support
• Collaboration – dialogue with local and international artistic peers
• Cultural exchange – authentic engagement with Moroccan traditions and contemporary scene”

Artist-Run Philosophy:

Being started by artists for artists means GOA understands:

• Creative process needs and working rhythms
• Importance of community alongside solitary studio time
• Balance between structure and freedom
• Material challenges and technical support requirements
• Financial realities facing working artists

This peer-to-peer approach creates collaborative rather than institutional atmosphere.

Track Record Since 2013:

Over eleven years, GOA has:

• Hosted 200+ artists from diverse practices and nations
• Welcomed creatives from 35+ countries spanning six continents
• Built countless local collaborations with Tetouan’s artistic community
• Created priceless relationships between international artists and Moroccan makers
• Established reputation as serious, professional residency within Morocco

This sustained operation demonstrates commitment beyond experimental pilot phase.

Tetouan Context: The Jewel of Northern Morocco

Geographic Position:

Tetouan occupies a spectacular location in Morocco’s north, on the northwestern tip of Africa:

• Nestled against Mediterranean Sea providing coastal climate and maritime culture
• Beautiful valley where two mountain ranges converge (Rif Mountains and Jebel Dersa)
• 30 kilometers from Spain across Strait of Gibraltar (visible on clear days)
• 60 kilometers from Tangier Morocco’s international port city
• Strategic position linking Europe, Africa, and Mediterranean worlds

Natural Beauty:

“Almost every street reveals a unique view of either the Rif mountains or the ancient walled city built on the hillside above the river valley.”

This constant visual drama of mountains, sea, and historic architecture provides:

• Inspiration for landscape painters and photographers
• Dramatic light quality shifting throughout day
• Seasonal color changes in surrounding agricultural valleys
• Architectural subjects from medieval to Spanish colonial to contemporary

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Tetouan’s old city (medina) achieved UNESCO status due to:

• Rich history as major center during Moorish and Spanish periods
• Cultural significance preserving Andalusian refugee heritage after 1492 Reconquista
• Fairly untouched by modern development and mass tourism compared to Marrakech or Fes
• Authentic urban fabric maintaining traditional commerce, crafts, and daily life
• Architectural integrity with white-washed buildings, narrow streets, ornate doorways

National Institute of Fine Art:

Tetouan is home to Morocco’s prestigious National Institute of Fine Art (École Nationale des Beaux-Arts), meaning:

• Concentration of art students, faculty, and emerging Moroccan artists
• Professional exhibition spaces and cultural programming
• Academic resources including libraries and technical facilities
• Educated local audience for contemporary art
• Collaboration opportunities with Moroccan art education system

Grassroots Cultural Energy:

Tetouan “has been described as a city where cultural events spring up at a grassroots level in a way that is rarely seen in this part of the world,” creating:

• Spontaneous exhibitions, performances, and happenings
• Bottom-up creative organizing rather than top-down institutional programming
• Artist-led initiatives and independent spaces
• Vibrant underground and emerging scenes
• Authentic cultural production rather than tourist-oriented entertainment

Comparative Advantages:

“After visiting many other Moroccan cities, many people say that Tetouan is one of the most beautiful cities in the country” while offering:

• Less tourist saturation than Marrakech, Fes, or Chefchaouen
• More affordable cost of living and studio costs
• Stronger art education infrastructure through National Institute
• Spanish colonial architecture blending with Moroccan traditional
• Mediterranean climate milder than interior Morocco
• Beach access for coastal respite and different landscape
• Proximity to Europe (ferry to Spain, short flights to EU cities)

The Residency Facility: Historic Home Transformed

Location:

18 Ave. Mohamed ben Abderrahman
Tetouan, 93000
Morocco

Neighborhood Position:

The residency occupies a historic 10-room home of a prominent Tetouani family in:

• Heart of the city providing urban energy and accessibility
• Few blocks from king’s palace in prestigious central district
• Numerous transportation arteries nearby for easy city navigation
• Museums and galleries within walking distance
• Gates of ancient walled city accessible on foot

This central position allows:

• Immersion in daily Moroccan urban life
• Walking access to medina souks and artisan workshops
• Proximity to cafes, restaurants, and cultural institutions
• Easy exploration of Tetouan’s layers of history

Building Configuration:

Ground Floor / Public Spaces:

• Gallery/multipurpose space for exhibitions, events, performances, presentations
• Kitchen for meal preparation and communal gathering
• Offices for staff and administrative functions

Upper Floors / Production Spaces:

• 3-4 shared studios with flexible configurations
• Small salon for informal meetings, reading, conversation
• Woodshop space for carpentry, sculpture, furniture-making
• Resource room with reference materials, supplies, equipment storage

Studio Features:

Natural Light and Ventilation:

• “All studios have large windows & balconies allowing sunlight and air into the spaces”
• Doors that can be closed to rest of studio for privacy within shared spaces
• Cross-ventilation supporting comfort in Mediterranean climate

Flexibility:

• Shared studios accommodate multiple artists working simultaneously
• Private studio options for those requiring dedicated space
• Adaptable to various media from painting to sculpture to performance rehearsal

Capacity:

Regular Self-Directed Residencies: Up to 8 artists during 3-6 week seasons

Faculty-Led Study Abroad: 8-10 artists when hosting university groups (larger groups can be accommodated off-site)

This intimate scale ensures:

• Meaningful community formation among residents
• Staff capacity to provide personalized support
• Manageable dynamics for collaboration
• Sufficient studio space and resource access

Comprehensive Studio Facilities & Services

Production Spaces

Visual Arts Studios:

• Painting and drawing with natural light
• Sculpture (utilizing indoor studios and potentially outdoor courtyard)
• Printmaking facilities (see below)
• Mixed media experimentation

Specialized Facilities:

Woodworking Tools:

• Dedicated woodshop space
• Carpentry tools for furniture making, wood sculpture, architectural elements
• Technical assistance available

Printmaking Facilities:

• Equipment for various print techniques (relief, intaglio, screen printing)
• Technical support for printmaking processes
• Supplies potentially available or sourceable locally

Gallery/Multipurpose Space:

• Exhibition capabilities for work-in-progress or final presentations
• Performance space for dance, theatre, readings, music
• Event hosting for workshops, talks, community gatherings
• Flexible configuration for diverse uses

Support Services & Resources

Library/Research Resources:

• Reference materials on Moroccan art, culture, history
• Books and publications supporting artistic research
• Resource room with curated information

Technical Assistance:

• Staff support for creative proposals
• Help troubleshooting technical challenges
• Guidance on material sourcing and local fabrication

Networking:

• Connections to local artists including National Institute faculty and students
• Introductions to artisan communities practicing traditional crafts
• Gallery connections facilitating exhibition opportunities
• Collaboration facilitation with Moroccan creative professionals

Promotional Services:

• Support publicizing residency work
• Connections to media and cultural press
• Social media amplification of artist projects

Concierge Services: Beyond the Studio

GOA offers “wide array of concierge type services” distinguishing it from bare-bones residencies:

Housing Recommendations:

Since GOA does not provide accommodation, staff offer expert guidance on:

• Local hotels at various price points
• Traditional riads (B&B) offering Moroccan hospitality and breakfast
• Furnished apartments for more independence and cooking facilities
• Homestay with local family for deep cultural immersion and language practice

Staff knowledge of reputable, artist-friendly options saves residents time and ensures quality.

Guided Tours:

• Orientation to Tetouan’s neighborhoods, medina, and resources
• Visits to artisan workshops (pottery, textiles, metalwork, leatherwork)
• Excursions to nearby sites (Chefchaouen, Tangier, Mediterranean beaches, Rif villages)
• Custom tours based on artistic interests

Gallery Connections:

• Introductions to Tetouan and regional gallery directors
• Facilitation of studio visits by curators and collectors
• Exhibition opportunities in local venues
• Connections extending to Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat galleries

Access to Art Supplies and Tools:

• Guidance on where to purchase materials in Tetouan
• Staff assistance sourcing specialized or hard-to-find supplies
• Connections to local fabricators and technical specialists
• Potentially some basic supplies available at studio

Internet and Computer Access:

• WiFi throughout facility
• Computer availability for research and digital work

Residency Duration & Timing

Programme Lengths:

3-Week Residencies:

• Intensive immersion format
• Focused project development
• Sufficient time for cultural adaptation and production
• Ideal for working professionals with limited availability

6-Week Residencies:

• Extended creative development
• More ambitious project scope
• Deeper community integration
• Sustained artisan collaboration possibilities

Set Residency Periods Each Year:

GOA operates with scheduled sessions rather than year-round rolling admission:

Summer Residencies (Example from 2024):

• 3 weeks: June 24 – July 13
• 3 weeks: July 15 – August 3
• 6 weeks: June 24 – August 3 (combining both 3-week sessions)

Fall Residencies (Example from 2024):

• 3 weeks: September 9-28

Additional seasons likely include Spring and potentially Winter sessions (contact GOA for complete annual calendar)

Study Abroad Programmes:

Beyond individual artist residencies, GOA accommodates:

• University study-abroad groups with faculty leadership
• Custom group retreats for artist collectives or organizations
• Instructional programming integrating residency with structured learning

These specialized programmes demonstrate facility flexibility and revenue diversification supporting year-round sustainability.

Financial Structure

Residency Fees:

GOA operates on fee-based model with transparent pricing in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD):

3-Week Residencies:

• Shared Studio: 10,000 MAD (approximately $1,000 USD)
• Private Studio: 15,000 MAD (approximately $1,500 USD)

6-Week Residencies:

• Shared Studio: 19,000 MAD (approximately $1,900 USD)
• Private Studio: 29,000 MAD (approximately $2,900 USD)

Comparative Value:

These rates represent exceptional value compared to many international residencies, particularly considering:

• Professional studio facilities with specialized equipment
• Comprehensive concierge and support services
• Gallery and networking access
• Technical assistance and material sourcing help
• Woodshop and printmaking facilities
• Morocco’s affordable cost of living

Application Fee: Yes (amount not specified—contact GOA for current rate)

What Fees Cover:

• Studio space (shared or private) for residency duration
• Access to all facilities (woodshop, printmaking, gallery, kitchen, library)
• Staff support and concierge services
• Technical assistance and networking introductions
• Community events and programming
• WiFi and basic utilities

Artist Financial Responsibilities:

• International or domestic travel to Tetouan
• Accommodation (though GOA provides housing assistance)
• Daily meals and food (kitchen available for self-catering)
• Art materials and supplies (though GOA helps source)
• Personal expenses and incidentals
• Visa fees if applicable to nationality
• Travel and health insurance

No Stipends or Allowances:

GOA does not provide production funding, travel grants, or living stipends—artists must cover all costs beyond studio access.

Budget Planning:

For 3-week residency, artists should budget approximately:

• Studio fee: $1,000-$1,500
• Accommodation: $300-$600 (depending on choice)
• Food: $200-$400
• Local transport/activities: $100-$200
• Materials: Variable based on practice
• Total: $1,800-$3,000+ plus international travel

Six-week residencies proportionally more, though some per-day costs decrease with length.

Disciplines & Artist Profile

Explicitly Welcomed Practices:

GOA “accepts visual artists, writers, poets, curators, scientists, choreographers, puppeteers, and more“—demonstrating extraordinary disciplinary breadth:

• Visual Arts: Painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, installation, mixed media
• Literature: Fiction writers, poets, creative non-fiction authors, journalists
• Curators: Exhibition organizers, art historians, museum professionals conducting research
• Scientists: Potentially interdisciplinary practitioners bridging art and science
• Choreographers: Dance-makers developing new work
• Puppeteers: Traditional and contemporary puppetry artists
• Theatre: Playwrights, directors, performers, designers
• Film-making: Documentary and narrative filmmakers, video artists
• Music: Composers, performers, sound artists, ethnomusicologists
• Textile Arts: Weavers, embroiderers, fiber artists, fashion designers
• Performing Arts: Broad category including experimental performance, spoken word, interdisciplinary live art
• Ceramics: Pottery, sculptural ceramics (though facility may not have kiln—confirm needs)

The phrase “and more” signals openness to unconventional or emerging disciplines not easily categorized.

Career Stages:

“Both emerging and established artistic talent“—no restrictions based on experience level:

• Emerging artists benefit from professional facilities and international exposure early in careers
• Mid-career practitioners find space for experimentation and new directions
• Established artists access cultural research and collaboration opportunities

Geographic Diversity:

With artists from 35+ countries since founding, GOA genuinely welcomes:

• Global practitioners from all continents
• Moroccan and North African artists
• European artists taking advantage of geographic proximity
• American artists (founders’ nationality perhaps attracting US applicants)
• Artists from underrepresented nations in international residency circuits

Application & Selection Process

Application Method: Digital application via GOA website

Timeline: Rolling application until spaces fill

This means:

• No fixed annual deadline
• Apply as soon as desired dates are known
• Earlier application increases likelihood of acceptance
• Popular periods (summer) fill faster than others
• Spaces awarded on ongoing basis throughout year

Selection Committee:

Applications reviewed by local Selection Panel comprising:

• Likely GOA founders/staff
• Moroccan arts professionals
• Previous residents or advisors
• Community cultural leaders

Selection Criteria:

Residencies awarded based on:

1. Artistic Excellence of Current Work

• Quality and sophistication of portfolio
• Technical proficiency and aesthetic development
• Distinctive voice and original perspective
• Professional presentation and documentation

2. Intended Residency Proposal

• Clarity of project description and objectives
• Feasibility within 3-6 week timeframe
• Alignment with GOA facilities and resources
• Potential for cultural exchange and local engagement
• How Tetouan context serves the work

Required Application Materials (Confirm specifics with GOA):

Typically includes:

• Artist CV and biography
• Portfolio of recent work (10-15 images or samples)
• Project proposal for residency period
• Statement of intent explaining interest in Tetouan
• References from art professionals
• Proposed dates and duration preference

Presentation of Artists’ Work:

“Arranged on case-by-case basis“—meaning:

• No mandatory exhibition or open studio
• Opportunities negotiated based on artist interest and work development
• Potential for shows in GOA gallery space
• Connections to external Tetouan galleries
• Public presentations, talks, or performances if desired

Community Engagement Expectations

Encouraged (Not Required) Activities:

“Artists are encouraged to engage the local community as part of their residency through:

Workshops:

• Teaching techniques or methods to Moroccan students or emerging artists
• Skill-sharing with National Institute of Fine Art community
• Collaborative learning with local artisans

Performances:

• Dance, theatre, music presentations for Tetouan audiences
• Incorporating local performers or musicians
• Site-specific work in medina or public spaces

Readings:

• Writers sharing work-in-progress or published pieces
• Poetry events potentially in multiple languages
• Literary exchange with Moroccan writers

Round Tables:

• Discussions on artistic practice, themes, or techniques
• Cultural dialogue addressing cross-cultural artistic questions
• Critique sessions with local artists

Collaboration:

• Joint projects with Moroccan artists or artisans
• “To bridge cultures and nurture innovation”—explicitly stated as goal
• Creating work that emerges from intercultural dialogue”

Philosophy:

These activities serve dual purposes:

• Enriching artists’ residencies through meaningful local connection
• Contributing to Tetouan’s cultural ecosystem through knowledge exchange
• Building sustainable relationships between international and local communities
• Avoiding extractive tourism by ensuring reciprocal benefit

Additional Programming & Activities

On-Site Events:

• Workshops: Skill-building sessions led by visiting or local artists
• Presentations: Artist talks, research sharing, work-in-progress showings
• Exhibitions: In gallery/multipurpose space showcasing resident or local work
• Open Studios: Periodic events inviting public into working spaces

Partnerships Beneficial to Resident Artists:

GOA maintains relationships with:

• Tetouan galleries and exhibition venues
• National Institute of Fine Art (faculty, students, facilities)
• Local artisan communities and craft cooperatives
• Cultural organizations and museums
• Spanish cultural centers (given Tetouan’s Spanish heritage)
• Tangier arts scene (1 hour away)

Accessibility & Practical Considerations

Wheelchair Accessibility: No

The historic building likely includes:

• Stairs to upper floor studios
• Narrow doorways typical of traditional architecture
• Uneven surfaces in old city location
• No elevators or ramps

Artists with mobility considerations should contact GOA to discuss specific situations.

Companions:

Partners and children allowed

This family-friendly approach suits:

• Artists with childcare responsibilities
• Couples both pursuing creative work
• Those uncomfortable with solo international travel
• Family-oriented cultural immersion

Accommodation recommendations can include family-appropriate options.

No Mention of Pets: Assume not permitted; inquire if relevant

Access & Transportation

Nearest Airports:

Primary: Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG)

• Approximately 1 hour by taxi to Tetouan
• International connections to major European and Middle Eastern cities
• Budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet) serve from multiple EU destinations

Secondary: Tetouan “Sania Ramel Airport” (TTU)

• Very close to city but limited flight options
• Primarily domestic Moroccan routes
• Less convenient for international arrivals

By Train:

Morocco’s national rail (ONCF) doesn’t reach Tetouan directly:

• Travel to Tangier via train from Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, or Marrakech
• Continue by Supratours bus (operated by ONCF) to Tetouan
• Integrated ticketing available
• Schedules at ONCF.ma

By Boat (Ferry from Spain):

From Spain (Algeciras, Tarifa, Gibraltar):

• Ferry to Tanger Ville (traditional port) or Tanger-Med (new port)
• GOA can arrange transfer from either port to Tetouan
• Excellent option for European artists or those already in Spain
• Allows bringing car if desired for Morocco exploration

By Car:

• Straightforward drive from Tangier (1 hour via N16/P28)
• Mountain roads from Chefchaouen through scenic Rif
• Contact GOA for specific directions as road names poorly marked
• Street parking potentially challenging in historic district

Why Choose Green Olive Arts?

This artist-run Tetouan residency offers distinctive advantages:

• 11-year track record (since 2013) demonstrating stability
• 200+ artists from 35+ countries creating diverse international community
• Artist-founded ensuring peer understanding of creative needs
• Tetouan location in less-touristed, culturally authentic Moroccan city
• UNESCO medina proximity for architectural and cultural immersion
• National Institute of Fine Art access to Moroccan art education
• Affordable fees ($1,000-$2,900) for 3-6 week residencies
• Professional facilities including woodshop, printmaking, gallery
• Comprehensive concierge services from housing to gallery connections
• All disciplines welcomed from visual arts to science to puppetry
• Emerging and established artists without career stage restrictions
• Study abroad capacity for group and educational programming
• Mediterranean setting with mountains, sea, and dramatic landscapes
• Spanish proximity (ferry connections, visible across strait)
• Grassroots cultural energy rarely seen in the region
• Local engagement encouraged through workshops, performances, collaboration
• Family-friendly welcoming partners and children
• Rolling applications allowing flexible timing

Tetouan vs. Other Moroccan Residency Cities

Compared to Marrakech:

• Less tourist-saturated and commercialized
• Stronger art education infrastructure (National Institute)
• More affordable cost of living
• Cooler Mediterranean climate vs. desert heat
• European proximity (Spain visible, short ferry)
• Smaller scale allowing deeper community integration

Compared to Fes:

• Similar UNESCO medina authenticity
• Beach access (Tetouan near Mediterranean)
• Spanish colonial architecture adding variety
• Smaller, more intimate creative community
• Better European connectivity

Compared to Tangier:

• Quieter, less cosmopolitan international city energy
• More traditional Moroccan character
• Lower costs
• Proximity allows Tangier gallery/cultural access without constant bustle

Unique Advantages:

• Only major residency in northern Morocco
• Mediterranean rather than Atlantic or interior
• Spanish-Moroccan cultural fusion
• National Institute of Fine Art presence
• “Grassroots cultural events” reputation

Contact & Application

Green Olive Arts
18 Ave. Mohamed ben Abderrahman
Tetouan, 93000
Morocco

Morocco Phone: +212 5 39 70 15 29
USA Phone: (760) 705-4625
Email: arthouse@greenolivearts.com
Website: http://greenolivearts.com/art-residency/

Social Media: Search “Green Olive Arts Morocco” on Instagram, Facebook for updates

To Apply:

1. Visit greenolivearts.com/art-residency/ for complete application details
2. Review current available residency periods
3. Prepare portfolio, CV, project proposal, references
4. Submit digital application with application fee
5. Await selection panel review
6. If accepted, coordinate accommodation and travel logistics with GOA staff

Questions to Ask:

• Current availability for preferred dates
• Specific facilities for your medium (kiln for ceramics? darkroom for film photography?)
• Recommended accommodation options for your budget
• Current application fee amount
• Typical timeline from application to notification
• Opportunities for local gallery exhibitions
• Specific artisan connections relevant to your practice

Experience Morocco’s creative energy in a city “where cultural events spring up at a grassroots level” through a residency founded by artists who understand what creatives need to thrive—professional facilities, cultural immersion, collaborative community, and the beauty of working in one of North Africa’s most inspiring historic cities.