CULTURE & IDENTITY
A cultural and commercial pole in Tetouan
The aim of this project is to transform and revitalize a public building for, on one hand attract qualitative tourism but, on the other hand offer cultural facilities for the citizen. The modern art centre of Tétouan (CAMT) is a good example as it has become a cultural centre for the residents but also an obliged visit for foreigners staying in the city.
Tags: Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Heritage, Urban Regeneration, City Branding
Challenges addressed
- An economy with an increased tourism flow
- The needs of a global vision integrating a process of development of sectoral activities in the extensions of the city
- The promotion of values like participation, promotion of partnership and “networking” in local culture
- Take advantage of the University’s potential in terms of training and research
- Strengthen the image of Tétouan and its potentialities
- Tackle the quick urban development due to immigration and demographic rise
Main objectives
- Reorganize the economy, encourage investment and promote the touristic image of Tétouan
- Preserve and enhance the cultural environment
- Preserve and enhance heritage as a key development factor in Tétouan
- Promote communication about the potential of the city: Build a coherent and attractive image of Tétouan
- Cultural industries are considered an essential vector for development as well as a way of promoting careers and jobs and ensure the means to fight against poverty
Facts
Project type Cultural Facilities
Promoter Tétouan Municipality, Moroccan Ministry of Culture, Fundación Tres Culturas (Ministry of Culture – Junta de Andalucía)
Start date 2005
End date 2012
Budget 1.3 million €
Website www.tetouanet.com
Project description
The Modern Art Centre of Tétouan (CAMT) was a project of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture to transform the old railway station into a contemporary art museum. This new space would attract more visitors either tourist or citizens from Tétouan.
This centre is the first of its kind to be built in North Africa after a refurbishment of this historic building neo-Arab style designed in 1918 by the Spanish architect Julio Rodríguez during the Spanish protectorate. The renewal was carried out over seven years, between 2005 and 2012, with the support of the “Three Cultures Foundation” of the Assembly of Andalusia in Spain.
The project had a double effect on the public space as it is a privileged place in front of the Medina but also in the way elements of the old station structured the project. A station is a nodal point in a city and to this extent a meeting point of different flows of people who bring new ideas, styles etc. As a result of these ideas the Contemporary Art Museum shows the diverse influences of the art not only of the local artist but also from other countries.
Since the opening of the museum in 2012, the number of visitors has risen year by year and it is one of the most important things to do.
Impact and results
- 400.650 m2 area
- 1.500 m2 rehabilitation of the museum
- 1.280 m2 extension
- Public-private engagement
- Historical and Technical approach
- Social approach
- Strategic planning
- International cooperation
Publications & main documents
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