Teaching arts at the Chefchaouen House of Culture

"Dar Takafa", the House of Culture of Chefchaouen, is situated at a large and attractive Andalusian estate in the medina, the historical old town of Chefchaouen. Before the House of Culture had been founded, the building was used as Mariano Mertuchi’s art college. Today, Mrs. Naziha, an artist herself, is running the House of Culture.

The House of Culture is offering art lessons to children and youth aged 7 to 15. Around 60 youth and children, divided in three groups, are attending the centre especially on weekends (from Friday to Sunday) and during holidays. The lessons and workshops aim at giving a first approach to arts as a subject which is not being taught at Moroccan schools. The children are approached to painting with oil colours and water colours, drawing, sculpturing, art history, etc.

In order to give as many children and youth as possible the chance to participate, low-priced materials are being used, such as waste cardboard packaging materials for modelmaking and sculpturing. Every Friday, the art students are leaving the building and go out to the streets and squares of Chefchaouen to learn on location about image composition, depiction of light and shadow etc.

The house of culture is further arranging art exhibitions and events with national and international artists to foster artistic exchange and encounter.

Moreover, the centre is running a library for adults and a children's library with books and videos in French and Darija. Regularly, cultural programs are being shown in the centre’s media room.

As a volunteer, you can assist in all activities and art lessons of the house of culture. You may also arrange your own course offers, if you present your ideas at least two months in advance to allow the centre to find participants. Be aware that you will either need to bring all needed materials, or only use materials which can be arranged locally free of charge. Your own course will be offered 2 hours per week during weekends. During the school holidays (one week end of November, one week end of January, one week in April/May, and the whole month of July), full-day lessons Monday to Sunday can be taught. During the month of August, the house of culture remains closed. During Ramadhan, lessons are being held in the evenings only.

In addition, the house of culture is looking for a volunteer to assist in the indexing and digitalization of the library. Volunteers should at least have basic knowledge of French.

Info box:

Location: Chefchaouen, Morocco

Duration: Minimum 4 weeks*

Special qualifications needed: yes, artistic skills

Costs: none, the trouble-free package is optional

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Not included

Included: Placement in the project; if you opt for the trouble-free package the whole range of services which is part of the trouble-free package is included

Not included: Travel to Morocco, health insurance

Book this placement now! 

---

*You can also book this activity as a 1-3 weeks  "Voluntourism Hopper".