Nawat Fes Artist Residency – Fes, Morocco

Funded 2-Month Residencies with Stipend for International Creators in UNESCO Medina

Overview

Nawat Fes offers fully-funded 2-month artist residencies in Fes’s ancient UNESCO World Heritage medina to U.S. and international creators across multiple disciplines. Hosted by the American Language Center Fes / Arabic Language Institute in Fez (ALC Fes/ALIF), a member of the American Cultural Association, this initiative—launched in 2022—engages art to cultivate understanding among multifaceted cultures through exchange of ideas. Hosting two artists simultaneously in Dar Bennis, a restored traditional medina house, Nawat Fes provides private bedrooms, bathrooms, basic studios, a $1,200 stipend, multilingual staff support, and opportunities for community engagement through required public programming, creating bridges between international artistic voices and Fes’s vibrant local cultural conversation.

Institutional Context: American Language Center Fes/ALIF

Host Organization:

Nawat Fes operates under the umbrella of ALC Fes/ALIF, institutions dedicated to:

• Language education teaching English to Moroccans and Arabic to international students
• Cultural exchange facilitating dialogue between American, Moroccan, and global communities
• Public programming offering free cultural events, lectures, performances, exhibitions
• Community building creating spaces where diverse populations congregate and share ideas

American Cultural Association Membership:

As member of this broader network, Nawat Fes benefits from:

• Established institutional infrastructure and credibility
• Educational facilities and resources
• Built-in community of engaged local and international participants
• Experienced staff accustomed to cross-cultural facilitation
• Sustainable organizational model supporting long-term residency operation

Mission Alignment:

The residency directly serves ALC/ALIF’s mission by:

• Bringing international artistic voices to Fes community
• Creating cultural exchange through artist-public interaction
• Enriching local cultural conversation with diverse perspectives
• Demonstrating art’s capacity to bridge linguistic and cultural differences
• Providing Moroccan audiences access to global contemporary practices

Fes Medina: UNESCO World Heritage Context

Historical Significance:

Fes is considered one of the most extensive historic cities of the Arab-Muslim world, offering unparalleled cultural depth:

UNESCO World Heritage Status:

The Fes medina (Fes el-Bali) achieved designation due to:

• Exceptionally preserved medieval Islamic city largely intact since 9th century founding
• Architectural treasures including mosques, madrasas, palaces, fountains, city walls
• Living cultural traditions maintaining crafts, commerce, and daily life patterns
• Intellectual heritage as historic center of Islamic scholarship and Qarawiyyin University
• Urban complexity demonstrating sophisticated medieval city planning

World’s Largest Pedestrian Zone:

The medina operates as one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas, creating:

• Labyrinthine alleyways leading to hidden courtyards, monuments, and workshops
• Sensory immersion in sounds, smells, visual textures of traditional Moroccan life
• Artisan workshops producing ceramics, leather, metalwork, textiles, woodwork using centuries-old methods
• Open-air markets (souks) organized by trade in specialized districts
• Intimate scale fostering pedestrian encounters and community relationships

Cultural Richness for Artists:

This unique setting provides:

• Constant visual inspiration from architecture, patterns, colors, spatial relationships
• Living craft traditions offering learning and collaboration opportunities
• Historical depth informing research on Islamic art, Moroccan culture, urban life
• Community engagement possibilities with artisans, students, residents
• Authentic context distinct from tourist-oriented or modernized environments

Nawat Fes’s Role:

Within this extraordinary context, the residency provides:

• Supportive environment for research, reflection, and artistic practice
• Cultural learning allowing artists to experience and learn from Moroccan culture
• Contribution opportunity enabling artists to enrich local cultural conversation
• Bridge building between international contemporary practices and Fes traditions

Funded Residency Model: Full Support Package

What “Funded” Means:

Unlike fee-based residencies, Nawat Fes provides comprehensive financial support:

Stipend

Amount: 12,000 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $1,200 USD) for full 2-month residency

Payment Schedule:

• Half on arrival ($600)
• Half at midpoint of residency (1 month in, $600)

Intended Use:

• Artists provide their own food from stipend
• Daily living expenses in Fes
• Local transportation
• Personal expenses
• Art materials or supplies not requiring major investment

Budgeting Context:

Morocco’s affordable cost of living allows $1,200 to cover:

• Groceries for self-catering: ~$300-400 for 2 months
• Occasional restaurant meals: ~$100-200
• Local transport (taxis, buses): ~$50-100
• Materials and supplies: ~$200-400
• Personal expenses: ~$150-200
• Total reasonable to live comfortably within stipend

Housing

Provided at no cost in Dar Bennis (see facilities section below)

Additional Support

• Multilingual staff support (English, Arabic, French—on limited basis)
• Community engagement facilitation including translation when necessary
• Optional 10-hour beginner Moroccan Arabic course (complimentary)
• Initial introductions to relevant community members, artisans, or institutions
• Public program support for required presentations

Total Value:

Combining housing (market value ~$500-800/month in medina), stipend ($1,200), Arabic course (value ~$200-300), and staff support, Nawat Fes provides approximately $2,500-3,000 worth of support per artist.

Artist Financial Responsibilities:

• International travel to/from Morocco
• Travel medical insurance (essential)
• Visa fees if applicable (though strict eligibility limits this—see below)
• Materials beyond basic supplies
• Mailing costs for shipping finished work out of Morocco
• Additional language courses if desired beyond complimentary 10 hours
• Personal travel before or after residency

Two-Artist Model: Intimate Community

Concurrent Residents: Two artists at one time

This small cohort creates:

Meaningful Exchange:

• Deep conversation and artistic dialogue between residents
• Shared experiences navigating Fes and Moroccan culture
• Mutual support during challenges or cultural adjustment
• Potential for collaboration across disciplines
• Avoiding isolation while maintaining focus

Resource Availability:

• Adequate staff attention for each artist’s needs
• Sufficient studio and living space
• Manageable community engagement programming
• Sustainable workload for small Nawat Fes team

Diversity Opportunities:

• “We value diversity highly within our community of artist residents”
• Two-artist format allows pairing different:
  • Geographic origins
  • Disciplines (visual + literary, music + performance, etc.)
  • Career stages
  • Cultural backgrounds
  • Artistic approaches

Community Building:

• Creates micro-community within larger Fes context
• Residents share communal spaces (kitchen, courtyard, roof terrace)
• Joint participation in some ALC/ALIF activities
• Potential for public programs featuring both artists

Facilities: Three Interconnected Spaces

Dar Bennis: Live-Work Residency House

Location: Restored traditional Moroccan house in old medina, “tucked away not far from a main street”

Architecture: Traditional riad configuration with:

• Interior courtyard around which all rooms open
• Four-level construction with narrow staircases
• Roof terrace with panoramic medina views
• Traditional materials (tile, plaster, wood, stone)

Private Spaces per Artist:

Bedroom: Individual sleeping quarters

Private Bathroom: En-suite facilities for each resident

Basic Studio: Separate workspace from living area

Studio Features:

• Large work table as primary furniture
• Simple space without specialized equipment
• Natural light (typical in traditional architecture)
• Adequate for:
  • Writing, reading, research
  • Drawing, painting (with limitations—see below)
  • Musical composition using headphones
  • Small-scale visual work
  • Digital/laptop-based practices

Shared Facilities:

Kitchen: Self-catering with equipment for meal preparation

Laundry Room: Washing facilities for clothing and household items

Roof Terrace: Outdoor space with medina views for breaks, meetings, fresh air

WiFi: Internet connectivity throughout house

Courtyard: Central gathering space (note: all rooms open onto courtyard—limited acoustic privacy)

Accessibility to Dar Bennis:

Medina Access:

• 10-minute walk downhill from one of medina’s two main streets
• Pedestrian zone requiring walking (no vehicle access)
• Sloping hills paved with aggregate cobblestones (uneven surfaces)
• Easy to find once oriented to basic medina layout

Building Access:

• No elevator in four-level house
• Narrow staircases between floors
• Not wheelchair accessible

ALIF Riad: Public Programming Venue

Description: Spacious traditional house built around courtyard garden with orange trees, located in medina

Use: Space for Nawat Fes public programs and exhibitions

Features:

• Traditional architecture providing atmospheric setting
• Garden courtyard for outdoor events (weather permitting)
• Room configurations for various program formats
• Medina location accessible to local community

ALC Main Facility: New City Community Hub

Location: Fes’s New City (Ville Nouvelle)—modern district outside medina

Features:

• Large garden with outdoor seating and greenery
• Café for informal gathering and conversation
• Library with resources
• Bookstore offering books and materials

Community:

• Moroccans studying English
• International students learning Arabic from around the world
• Mixed gathering creating intercultural exchange
• Participation in free public programs offered by ALC

Artist Access:

Residents can visit ALC facilities to:

• Meet English-studying Moroccans and Arabic-learning internationals
• Attend or present at public programs
• Use library resources
• Experience different neighborhood of Fes
• Connect with broader ALC community

Residency Duration & Seasonal Programming

Fixed Length: 2 months (8 weeks) exactly

Critical Requirements:

• “Artists must arrive on the first day of the residency and stay through the end”
• “Nawat Fes does not award residencies shorter than two months”
• No early arrivals or late departures
• No abbreviated residencies even if artist only needs shorter time

This inflexibility stems from:

• Housing and stipend budget allocated for full periods
• Public program scheduling requiring artist presence
• Staff capacity planning based on fixed cycles
• Community engagement commitments

Four Annual Seasons:

Fall Residency

Timing: Mid-October to Early December (approximately October 15 – December 7)

Season Characteristics:

• Mild autumn weather in Fes
• Post-summer calm in medina
• Ramadan timing varies (check Islamic calendar)
• Academic year beginning energy

Winter Residency

Timing: Mid-January to Mid-March (approximately January 15 – March 15)

Season Characteristics:

• Cool/cold Fes winter (can reach near-freezing at night)
• Quieter tourist season
• Clear light quality
• Potential rain

Spring Residency

Timing: Mid-March to Mid-May (approximately March 15 – May 15)

Season Characteristics:

• Beautiful Fes spring weather
• Blooming gardens and pleasant temperatures
• Increased cultural activity
• Ramadan timing varies

Summer Residency

Timing: Mid-May through Mid-July (approximately May 15 – July 15)

Season Characteristics:

• Hot Fes summer (regularly exceeds 35°C/95°F)
• Tourist season in medina
• Long daylight hours
• Potentially challenging heat without air conditioning

Application Strategy:

Artists apply for specific season in their application, indicating:

• First choice season
• Alternate season(s) if flexible
• Rationale for timing preference (if relevant to project)

Disciplines Welcomed & Restrictions

Accepted Categories:

Visual and Performance Art

• Painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media
• Sculpture (considering studio limitations)
• Installation (simple formats given facility constraints)
• Photography
• Performance art (body-based, conceptual, participatory)
• Video art (as distinct from filmmaking—see restrictions)
• Interdisciplinary visual/performance practices

Music Composition & Performance

With Significant Limitations (see below):

• Composers working with notation, digital composition
• Singer-songwriters using acoustic instruments quietly
• Electronic musicians working with headphones
• Sound artists creating work reviewable via headphones
• Ethnomusicologists conducting research

Literature Originally Written in English or Arabic

Accepted Forms:

• Poetry in English or Arabic
• Fiction (short stories, novels, novellas) in English or Arabic
• Creative Non-Fiction (memoir, personal essay, narrative journalism) in English or Arabic
• Playwriting/Screenwriting in English or Arabic
• Literary Translation from any language INTO English or Arabic

Explicitly Excluded:

• Scholarly work (academic papers, dissertations, criticism)
• Literature in languages other than English or Arabic (unless translation project)

NOT Accepted:

Dance

Reason: Likely combination of:

• Studio space limitations (Dar Bennis not designed for dance)
• Acoustic concerns in shared living space
• Floor and ceiling structure of historic building
• Limited rehearsal facilities in ALC network

Film Projects

Reason: “Filming in public places in Fes requires a permit. The Nawat Fes team is unable to assist in securing permits for filming.”

Implications:

• No documentary filmmaking in Fes
• No narrative films requiring location shooting
• No projects requiring Morocco filming permits
• Video art potentially acceptable if not requiring permits (artist should clarify with team)

Critical Eligibility Requirements & Restrictions

Nawat Fes has unusually strict eligibility criteria—carefully review before applying:

1. Visa Requirements (Most Restrictive)

ONLY artists from countries that:

• Do not need visa OR Morocco Electronic Travel Authorization (e-TA)
• Can stay minimum 60 days under visa-free or e-TA status

Rule: “Nawat Fes will accept residency applications only from artists holding passports from countries that do not need a visa or a Morocco Electronic Travel Authorization, with a minimum stay of 60 days (in other words, artists who have to submit an application for a visa in advance, either in-person or electronically, are not eligible).”

Reason: “This unfortunate rule is based on past experiences of Nawat Fes artists” (likely artists unable to obtain visas or encountering bureaucratic problems)

How to Verify Eligibility:

• Check Morocco Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
• Consult Moroccan embassy or consulate in your country
• Verify both:
  • Whether visa-free or e-TA entry allowed
  • Maximum stay duration permitted (must be 60+ days)

Countries Typically Eligible:

• United States (90-day visa-free)
• Canada (90-day visa-free)
• UK (90-day visa-free)
• Most EU countries (90-day visa-free)
• Australia (90-day visa-free)
• Many Latin American countries
• Some Asian countries

Countries Typically INELIGIBLE:

• Many African nations requiring visas
• Some Asian countries requiring visas
• Countries with shorter visa-free periods (<60 days)

VERIFY CURRENT REQUIREMENTS as visa policies change—this is non-negotiable eligibility requirement.

2. Residence Preference

“Because a major aim of the program is to bring new international voices to the Fes community, preference will be given to artists who are not already residing in Morocco.”

Implications:

• Moroccan residents (including expats living in Morocco) disadvantaged in selection
• Artists residing elsewhere in Morocco should explain compelling reason for applying
• Preference for fresh perspectives and voices new to Fes community

3. Collaboratives Policy

“The program accepts artist collaboratives of up to three people. Collaboratives submit a single application.”

Structure:

• 2-3 person teams apply jointly
• One application represents entire collaborative
• Stipend likely shared among collaborative members (clarify with Nawat Fes)
• Housing in Dar Bennis must accommodate multiple people
• All collaborative members must meet eligibility requirements

Considerations:

• How will two bedrooms accommodate three-person collaborative?
• Studio space shared among collaborative members
• Public programs potentially involving all members
• Selection considers collaborative dynamic and project viability

4. Companions & Visitors

Spouses/Partners:

“It is not possible for artist residents to be accompanied by spouses or partners unless the spouse/partner applies and has been individually accepted to the program, even if a partner secures their own lodging in Fes.”

Strict Rule:

• No companions even if paying separately
• No exceptions even for external accommodation
• Only way: partner must apply independently and be accepted as second resident
• If both accepted, they’d occupy the two resident slots together

Family Visits:

“If spouse/family plans to visit, we request that the artist arrange this to occur after their residency.”

Implications:

• No mid-residency family visits allowed
• Meet family in Morocco after residency ends
• Or arrange visit before residency begins
• Preserves focus and community dynamics during residency

5. Language Requirements

English:

“Artist applicants must have good conversational skills in English.”

Reason:

• Public programs presented in English or Arabic
• Communication with multilingual staff
• Interaction with English-learning Moroccan students
• Some ALC programming in English

Arabic and French:

“Helpful but not required”

Benefits if Speaking:

• Deeper engagement with local Moroccan community
• Direct communication without translation
• Richer medina experiences
• Easier daily life navigation

Complimentary Arabic Course:

All residents offered 10-hour beginning Moroccan Arabic course designed to:

• Equip with basic communication skills for medina living
• Teach essential phrases for shopping, directions, greetings
• Provide cultural context for language use
• Both residents scheduled together (builds community, ensures efficiency)

Additional Study:

• Artists can pay for additional class hours through ALIF
• ALIF specializes in teaching Arabic to internationals
• Potential to continue study throughout residency

Required Community Engagement

Non-Negotiable Expectation:

“Nawat Fes artist residents are expected to offer two opportunities for our community to engage with their work.”

Public Program Formats

Options Include:

Workshop: Interactive skill-sharing or creative exercise led by artist

Performance: Music concert, theatrical performance, performance art piece, spoken word

Reading: Poetry, fiction, or creative non-fiction for literary residents

Lecture: Presentation on artistic practice, research, or themes

Concert: Musical performance (full or partial programme)

Exhibition: Simple display of work created during residency

Participatory Formats Preferred:

“Participatory formats are preferred” suggests Nawat Fes values:

• Audience engagement over passive viewing
• Interactive workshops over lectures
• Q&A discussions accompanying presentations
• Hands-on activities when appropriate

Programming Specifications

Language: “Artists should be prepared to present their public programs in English or Arabic”

Audience:

• Local students of English (Moroccans studying at ALC)
• International students of Arabic (studying at ALIF)
• Local Fes community (artists, artisans, cultural enthusiasts)
• Mixed gatherings creating linguistic and cultural exchange

Value Emphasized:

“A high value is placed on linguistic exchange between the artists and the Moroccan community in Fes, which participates in American Language Center Fes programs in English.”

This means:

• English language used intentionally for Moroccan audience development
• Cultural exchange happens through shared language learning
• Programs serve educational as well as artistic purposes
• Community building through multilingual dialogue

Programming Support & Limitations

What Nawat Fes Provides:

• Venue (ALIF Riad or ALC facility)
• Basic promotion through ALC/ALIF channels
• Staff coordination of logistics
• Translation assistance if needed

What Nawat Fes CANNOT Provide:

“We are not a producing residency, and our small team is unable to take on the curation of complex installations or facilitate intense community engagement projects.”

Implications:

• Keep programs simple and manageable
• Don’t propose elaborate exhibitions requiring extensive curatorial work
• Avoid projects needing intensive staff time for community coordination
• Artist-led rather than institution-produced programming
• Realistic expectations matching team capacity

Studio Limitations: Critical Considerations

“Our current facilities have some limitations for visual artists and artists working in sound.”

Visual Arts Studio Limitations

Current Reality:

“Simple visual arts studios are located in Dar Bennis. Studios do not have any special equipment.”

What This Means:

Suitable For:

• Drawing (pencil, charcoal, ink)
• Watercolor or small-scale acrylic painting
• Collage and works on paper
• Photography (digital editing, small printing)
• Sketchbook work and research
• Small sculpture (if not requiring specialized tools)
• Digital/video art created on laptop

Challenging For:

• Large-scale painting (limited space and ventilation)
• Sculpture requiring power tools or messy processes
• Printmaking (no press or facilities)
• Ceramics (no kiln or wheel)
• Metalwork (no forge or welding)
• Intensive fabrication

Fumes Restriction:

“Because Dar Bennis is a shared live-work space, artists may not use materials in the studios that will create fumes.”

Prohibited:

• Oil painting (turpentine, solvents)
• Spray paint or aerosols
• Strong adhesives (epoxy, certain glues)
• Chemicals requiring ventilation
• Processes creating noxious odors

Reasoning:

• Living quarters share same air circulation
• Historic building lacks modern ventilation systems
• Respect for co-resident’s health and comfort
• Safety in traditional architecture

Sound-Based Artist Limitations

Current Reality:

“Dar Bennis is a shared space, and we do not have facilities in which sound-based artists can play their work at full volume.”

Who Can Apply:

“Currently, musicians, composers and sound artists are welcome to apply who are able to work in the space productively using their own headphones and equipment in a way that will not disturb the other artist resident.”

Suitable For:

• Composers writing with notation software (headphones)
• Electronic musicians producing with DAW (headphones)
• Singer-songwriters working on acoustic guitar at low volume
• Sound artists creating work reviewable via headphones
• Music researchers/ethnomusicologists doing reading/writing

Challenging For:

• Drummers or percussionists
• Horn/brass players requiring full volume
• Amplified music needing loud playback
• Ensemble rehearsals
• Sound installations requiring spatial audio testing
• Experimental noise or loud electronic music

What’s NOT Available:

“We do not have a piano or special equipment.”

Musicians Must Bring:

• Own instruments (if small and portable)
• Headphones
• Laptop and software
• Audio interface if needed
• All equipment for their practice

Future Plans:

“In the future, we will explore partnerships that will enable us to expand access to dedicated studio space for artists working in these media.”

This suggests:

• Current limitations acknowledged as temporary
• Intention to improve facilities eventually
• Potential partnerships with local studios or institutions
• For now, apply only if comfortable with restrictions

Artist Independence & Project Expectations

High Independence Required:

“Nawat Fes artist residents are expected to have a high level of independence, flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity.”

What This Means Practically

Independence:

• Self-directed daily work without supervision or check-ins
• Proactive in cultivating relationships and opportunities
• Resourceful in problem-solving and material sourcing
• Comfortable working alone for extended periods

Flexibility:

“You will be living in a very spontaneous culture and openness to last-minute changes is necessary for a positive experience.”

Examples:

• Scheduled meetings may shift timing
• Planned introductions might occur differently than anticipated
• Ramadan or holidays affecting community availability
• Transportation or access issues requiring adaptation

Tolerance for Ambiguity:

• Not everything clearly explained or predictable
• Some aspects of project emerging organically
• Cultural differences in communication and planning
• Comfortable with uncertainty and improvisation

Project Development Support

Limited Staff Time:

“Nawat Fes staff and volunteer time is limited and we can provide a limited amount of support for artists’ projects.”

What Staff CAN Provide:

“Our team can facilitate initial introductions when appropriate, but artists are expected to take initiative in cultivating their own relationships and following up on opportunities.”

Process:

• Staff makes introduction to relevant person/organization
• Artist follows up, builds relationship independently
• Staff not involved in ongoing project coordination
• Artist responsible for sustaining connections

Translation:

• Available when necessary
• On limited basis (not full-time interpretation)
• For key moments requiring language support

Timeline Expectations:

“Expect to begin your project upon arrival; the Nawat Fes team is not able to make arrangements for artist projects until artists arrive.”

Implications:

• No advance project setup before residency starts
• First days/week involve orientation and making connections
• Projects gain momentum as relationships develop
• Two months includes ramp-up time

Project Location Requirements

Fes-Based Work:

“Artists’ projects during their Nawat Fes residency should take place in Fes.”

Permitted:

• Work entirely in Dar Bennis studio
• Engagement with Fes medina, artisans, community
• Occasional day trips to nearby villages (facilitated by local nonprofits)

NOT Permitted:

“We are not able to support projects that require overnight travel outside of Fes or which require travel to surrounding areas, and Nawat Fes staff and interns cannot accompany artists outside of Fes.”

Why This Matters:

• No multi-day research trips to other Moroccan cities
• No extended time in Sahara, Atlas Mountains, or coastal areas
• No staff support for projects requiring artist travel
• Residency focused on Fes immersion

Travel Outside Fes:

“Artists who wish to travel outside of Fes should do this before or after their residencies.”

Suggestion:

• Arrive in Morocco early, travel before residency
• Extend stay after residency for broader Morocco exploration
• Residency itself dedicated to Fes focus

Selection Process & Criteria

Jury-Based Selection:

“Nawat Fes artists are selected by juries, and the process is competitive.”

Selection Criteria:

Applications judged on multiple factors with equal weight:

1. Quality of Work Submitted

• Artistic excellence in portfolio samples
• Technical proficiency and aesthetic maturity
• Distinctive voice and original perspective
• Professional presentation

2. Diversity of Cohort

“We value diversity highly within our community of artist residents.”

Seeking variety across:

• Geographic origins and cultural backgrounds
• Artistic disciplines and approaches
• Career stages (emerging to established)
• Gender, race, ethnicity
• Thematic interests and methodologies

3. Strength and Interest of Proposal for Intended New Work

• Clarity and feasibility of project description
• Appropriateness for Fes context
• Realistic scope for 2-month timeframe
• Innovative or compelling artistic inquiry
• How project benefits from Moroccan immersion

4. Proposed Public Programs

• Quality and appropriateness of proposed community engagement
• Participatory vs. passive formats
• Cultural sensitivity and exchange potential
• Feasibility within Nawat Fes capacity

5. Fit of Artist within Morocco and Fes Medina

• Cultural curiosity and respect demonstrated
• Flexibility and independence shown
• Understanding of what residency offers/doesn’t offer
• Realistic expectations about facilities and support
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous, spontaneous environment

Application Process & Timeline

Annual Application Cycle:

Applications accepted once per year for following year’s four seasons

Current Cycle:

Deadline: January 7, 2026 at 11:59 pm Casablanca time

For Residencies: October 2026 through July 2027 (all four seasons)

Notification: Late April 2026

Planning Timeline:

• Application submitted: January 2026
• Notification: April 2026
• First residency begins: October 2026
• 6-9 months between notification and residency start

Future Cycles:

• Residencies through July 2026 already awarded (too late for current artists)
• Residencies after October 2027 scheduled in future application process
• Check website for next application opening (likely January 2027 for 2027-2028 residencies)

Application Platform:

Google Forms link available on Nawat Fes website

Before Applying:

“Please be sure to read all information on the Nawat Fes website, including the information at the bottom of the homepage that describes the residency program.”

Website Structure:

• 5 tabs containing comprehensive information:
  • Eligibility (visa requirements, language, companions)
  • Residencies (seasons, duration, project expectations)
  • Support (stipend, housing, staff assistance)
  • Community (public programs, engagement)
  • Selection (criteria and process)

Read everything before applying to avoid ineligibility or misalignment

Application Fee

Amount: 250 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $27 USD at current exchange, plus 3% card processing fee)

Total: Approximately $28 USD

Payment: Secure online payment link within application form

Fee Waiver Option:

Email NawatFes.Applications@acamorocco.org to request waiver

Eligible Reasons:

1. Economic hardship (no explanation required—just state this)
2. No access to secure online payment methods
3. Other (briefly indicate)

Process:

• Email fee waiver request with reason
• Await approval confirmation
• Can submit application without waiting for confirmation if already emailed
• Team will confirm waiver approval

Required Application Materials

Specifics within Google Form, but typically include:

• Artist biography and CV
• Portfolio of recent work (samples demonstrating current practice)
• Project proposal describing intended work during residency
• Public program proposals (two community engagement ideas)
• Statement of intent explaining interest in Nawat Fes and Fes
• Season preferences (ranked if flexible)
• Community engagement goals
• Language proficiency information
• Visa eligibility confirmation

For Collaboratives:

• All member information
• Collaborative working agreement
• How residency accommodates multiple people

Post-Application

Waiting Period: January to April (approximately 3-4 months)

Notification: Email to all applicants in late April

If Accepted:

• Confirm participation
• Finalize season assignment
• Coordinate travel arrangements
• Receive pre-arrival information and orientation materials
• Begin visa-free entry planning

Additional Practical Information

Recommended Services

Local Cooks:

“We can recommend some excellent local cooks who can come to Dar Bennis to prepare a variety of meals.”

Options:

• Traditional Moroccan dishes (tajines, couscous, pastilla)
• Vegetarian and vegan meals
• Gluten-free options
• Custom dietary accommodations

Benefit:

• Experience authentic home cooking
• Learn Moroccan culinary traditions
• Free time from daily cooking
• Social dimension of shared meals

Cost: Artist’s responsibility (potentially affordable given Morocco pricing)

Nearby Cafes

“There are several great cafes nearby that also make excellent off-site working environments.”

Uses:

• Writing or reading away from Dar Bennis
• Meetings with local artists or community members
• Change of scenery when studio feels confining
• WiFi and refreshments
• People-watching and medina observation

Mailing Finished Work

“Any cost for mailing finished work out of Morocco” is artist’s responsibility

Considerations:

• Morocco postal service or international couriers available
• Can be expensive for large or heavy artworks
• Customs declarations required
• Plan for shipping logistics if creating substantial work
• Some artists leave work with ALC for future pickup

Contact & Questions

Email: NawatFes.Applications@acamorocco.org

When to Contact:

“For artists’ inquiries or information prior to or during the application process”

Important Reminder:

“Nawat Fes has a small team. Please be sure you have read the website and the application instructions thoroughly before emailing with questions.”

Appropriate Questions:

• Clarification on visa eligibility for specific passport
• Technical questions about facilities relevant to your practice
• Specific season availability or scheduling
• Fee waiver process
• Collaborative application details
• Accessibility considerations

Inappropriate Questions:

• Information already clearly explained on website
• General inquiries answerable by reading materials
• Requests for extensive pre-application consultation

Why Choose Nawat Fes?

This unique funded Fes residency offers exceptional advantages:

• Fully funded ($1,200 stipend + housing + support = ~$2,500-3,000 value)
• UNESCO medina immersion in Fes, one of Arab-Muslim world’s most historic cities
• Small cohort (2 artists) ensuring meaningful community and adequate support
• 2-month duration allowing deep cultural integration and project development
• Institutional backing from established ALC Fes/ALIF with infrastructure and community
• Multilingual support (Arabic, English, French)
• Complimentary Arabic course (10 hours) for medina living skills
• Community engagement with English-learning Moroccans and Arabic-studying internationals
• Public programming platform sharing work with engaged audiences
• Cultural exchange mission valuing artistic dialogue across cultures
• Diversity commitment in resident selection
• Beautiful facilities in restored traditional houses
• Four seasonal options throughout year
• Annual application (manageable single-deadline process)
• Modest application fee ($27) with waiver available
• Since 2022 bringing fresh energy while learning from early experiences

Strategic Considerations for Applicants

Best Suited For:

• Self-directed, independent artists comfortable with ambiguity
• Practitioners whose work doesn’t require specialized equipment or facilities
• Writers, composers (working with headphones), visual artists (with studio limitations in mind)
• Those seeking funded international residency covering living costs
• Artists genuinely interested in Moroccan culture and Fes specifically
• Flexible personalities open to spontaneity and last-minute changes
• English speakers (Arabic/French helpful but not required)
• Those from visa-free countries allowing 60+ day stays
• Solo artists or 2-3 person collaboratives
• Practitioners excited about public engagement and teaching

Less Suitable For:

• Artists requiring large studios, specialized equipment, or messy processes
• Musicians needing to play at full volume
• Dancers (explicitly not accepted)
• Filmmakers requiring permits (explicitly not accepted)
• Those from countries requiring Morocco visas
• Artists needing constant curatorial support or intensive staff assistance
• Practitioners uncomfortable with English-language public programs
• Those wishing partners/family to accompany (unless partner separately accepted)
• Artists requiring travel outside Fes for projects
• Those needing shorter or longer than 2-month residencies

Application Strategy:

• Verify visa eligibility first—this is hard requirement
• Read entire website thoroughly before applying
• Propose realistic project fitting Dar Bennis facilities
• Emphasize community engagement plans and participatory formats
• Demonstrate cultural curiosity and flexibility
• Show understanding of what Nawat Fes can/cannot provide
• Explain how Fes specifically serves your work
• Apply for season(s) genuinely suitable for project and personal schedule
• Request fee waiver if needed—don’t let $27 prevent applying

Nawat Fes in Broader Morocco Residency Landscape

Unique Position:

• Only major funded residency in Fes (most Morocco residencies in Marrakech)
• Language institution hosting creates educational exchange dimension
• Community engagement required (many residencies optional)
• Modest stipend plus housing (most Morocco residencies fee-based or unfunded)
• Strict eligibility (visa requirements eliminate many potential applicants)
• Small scale (2 artists vs. 5-10 at other programmes)
• American institution (ACA connection) providing particular framework

Complementary to Other Morocco Residencies:

Artists might apply to both Nawat Fes (funded, Fes, strict requirements) and fee-based Marrakech residencies (Jardin Rouge, Riad Jardin Secret, Dar Kawa, etc.) depending on:

• Financial situation (funded vs. self-funded capacity)
• City preference (Fes vs. Marrakech)
• Desired duration (2 months vs. 1-3 weeks vs. 3-6 months)
• Studio needs (Nawat Fes limitations vs. other facilities)
• Community engagement interest (required vs. optional)

Contact & Final Steps

Nawat Fes
c/o American Language Center Fes / Arabic Language Institute in Fez
Fes, Morocco

Application Email: NawatFes.Applications@acamorocco.org
Website: [Nawat Fes website – check for current URL]

Next Application Deadline: January 7, 2026 (11:59 pm Casablanca time)
For Residencies: October 2026 – July 2027

To Apply:

1. Verify visa eligibility for your passport
2. Read all information on Nawat Fes website (5 tabs)
3. Review application form questions
4. Prepare portfolio, project proposal, public program ideas
5. Pay $27 application fee (or request waiver)
6. Submit application by January 7, 2026
7. Await notification in late April 2026

Experience Fes’s extraordinary UNESCO medina through a residency that combines artistic independence with cultural exchange, financial support with community engagement, and individual creative development with contribution to Fes’s vibrant cultural conversation—all in one of the Arab-Muslim world’s most historically significant and artistically alive cities.