RAAR
The Riad Alena Artist Residency
Inspired by his mother's legacy to turn every space she could into a platform for artists to create, Louis started Riad Alena's art residency programme (RAAR) in 2023. Pie Herring, the first artist in residence, arrived before the doors of the riad where officially open and kicked off our inaugural residency in style.
RAAR invites artists twice a year to live at Riad Alena, absorbing the creative energy of Marrakech. The winter residency is a three week residency culminating in a gallery opening during the internationally acclaimed1:54 Art Fair in Marrakech. 70% of all revenue made from sales of art created during the residency goes directly to the artist, and the remaining 30% is donated to Fiers et Forts centre for children. The summer residency is more research and project based on an invitation only basis.
Alena invited Berlin based curator Clementine Butler-Gallie to lead the programming though 2024. In February, Clementine curated the show 'Home Is Where The Body Isn't' by artist Henrique J Paris, which went on to show at the V&A. We are excited to see where Clementine takes the next residency.
If you would like to apply for a residency in the future please click the link below and sign up to our newsletter if you would like to be kept in the loop.
February 2024
Henrique J Paris
Henrique was invited to Alena and chose to carry on a body of work he had been exploring for a number of years, “Histographing”, the study of the study of history. As a student of architecture Henrique incorporated the riad in its natural form into the show, which opened on the 1:54 gallery night and was shortlisted as the best independent gallery by the fair. You can see more of his work here.
June 2023
Hasna
In partnership with Le 18 and the exciting, avant-garde curator Amine Larache, Alena hosted Hasna Snabb while she was writing her new album. During the residency, Hasna did two live performances at El Fenn and Le 18. Hasn's residency laid the foundation for the “research residencies” that now happen during the summer months. Discover her music here.
Jan-Mar 2023
Pia Herring
Pia was the first artist to call Alena home for two months. A portrait artist in its purest form, Pia enjoyed connecting with local personalities and painting using homemade paints from local pigments. Alena hosted her exhibition opening with local musicians as well as a cocktail bar with signature cocktails inspired by the natural paint pigments used. Over €3000 was donated to Fier et Fort centre from sales of works during the show. For more work, her website link is here.
