Moroccan artists, artisans and community members have rich stories, traditions and creative practices that are not always widely documented or accessible beyond their immediate communities. Mercer students will collaborate with Moroccan students, artists and local weavers to document creative practices, share community stories, and develop public-facing materials that can help artists and artisans connect their work with broader audiences. These efforts support local artists, preserve community narratives, expand community-defined economic opportunities, and foster sustained cross-cultural understanding.
Students will explore how art, architecture, craft and storytelling shape community life across Morocco. Through coursework on storytelling, oral history and cross-cultural collaboration, students will prepare to conduct interviews, document creative practices, and partner with Moroccan students, artists, artisans and community members.
Based in Ifrane with travel to Rabat and other breathtaking locations, students will compare how formal art, street art, architecture, oral traditions and public storytelling differ across place and context. They will examine how creative expression can preserve memory, communicate identity, support local economies, make social statements and build community.
Collaborative projects may include digital stories, zines, poetry, photography or promotional resources for local artists and weavers. The program will culminate in a public exhibition and digital archive created with Moroccan partners.
This trip will change your life! Students will take away a better understanding of their interconnected place in the world. Through engaging in cultural exchange in cafes, markets, art museums and community centers with Moroccans, they will gain a deep cross-cultural understanding. Documenting the stories of others and co-creating creative artifacts, Mercerians will learn how to listen empathetically and collaborate across difference while amplifying the voices and projects of their Moroccan counterparts for international audiences.
Students are required to sign up for six hours of credit. The registrar will enroll you in courses for your program, including one class from each of the program's faculty.
and:
Stefanie Sevcik, Ph.D. — Assistant Professor of Writing and Interdisciplinary Studies, College of Professional Advancement
Alana Alvarez, Ph.D. — Associate Professor of Spanish and Chair of World Languages and Cultures, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Wesley Barker, Ph.D. — Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Religious Studies, College of Professional Advancement
