New name and new start for Flemish-Moroccan Cultural Centre

On 18 March, Minister Sven Gatz had a meeting in Brussels with his Moroccan colleague Anis Birrou who is responsible for the Moroccan community abroad. They decided on the new framework for the renewal of the Flemish-Moroccan Cultural Centre “Daarkom”.

The essence of the Flemish-Moroccan Cultural center remains the same. More than ever, the common goal is promoting and strengthening dialogue and cultural exchange between the Flemish and Moroccan communities.  Financial commitments of both governments also remain unchanged. However, the decision was made to leave the building at the Wolvengracht  (in the center of Brussels). The current non-profit organization Daarkom ( "Your house") will be replaced by a new one, Daarna (“Our House"). This new non-profit organization which will be at a new location in Brussels will also adopt a new approach: it will operate more pro-actively, focusing on collaboration through partnerships and co-productions. By the  end of the summer, the transition should be completed.

Sven Gatz "After constructive negotiations with Minister Birrou, I look forward to this new Flemish-Moroccan cooperation which will show across Brussels and the rest of Flanders."

Anis Birrou "This reform offers attractive and promising prospects for cooperation between Morocco and Flanders. I am confident that our new cooperation agreement will strengthen the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between Flanders and Morocco in the years to come. "