The “Villa des Arts by Flavie,” a new space dedicated to contemporary art, design, well-being and cultural events, opened Saturday in Essaouira in the presence of figures from the cultural, artistic and media sectors.
Founded by Franco-Korean artist and designer Flavie Bébéar, who is based in Essaouira, the space adds to the city’s cultural and artistic venues. Essaouira is known for its openness to the world, rich heritage and role as a meeting point for different cultures and artistic expressions.
Designed as an intimate space, the Villa des Arts brings together art, design, objects, materials and colors in a contemporary setting. Its aesthetic reflects the different influences that have shaped Bébéar’s career between South Korea, France and Morocco.
The Villa will also host a range of cultural events, including concerts, conferences, workshops and exhibition openings. It will provide a space for creators from different backgrounds to meet and exchange ideas, bringing together painters, composers, philosophers and other figures from the worlds of art and thought.
“After traveling so much, I could have chosen Paris, Seoul, London or another major international city. But I chose Essaouira to make this Villa des Arts a place for meeting, cultural exchange and passing on knowledge, a place where people can learn and share what they know,” Bébéar told MAP.
She also spoke of her strong attachment to Essaouira, which has had a major influence on her artistic journey and creative approach.
The new cultural space will also seek to build a community around creativity, exchange and excellence by highlighting artists and other figures whose careers can serve as examples and sources of inspiration for younger generations, Bébéar added.
She said she also wants the Villa to serve as a bridge between creators, cultures and places, with the ultimate goal of providing Essaouira’s residents and visitors with a space for cultural exchange and artistic development.
Through the Villa des Arts by Flavie, its founder is looking to establish her work in an open and cosmopolitan cultural environment while contributing to the artistic offering of the “Pearl of the Atlantic.”
The initiative also comes ahead of the planned opening of the City of Arts and Culture in 2027. The modern cultural facility is intended to strengthen Essaouira’s international profile and reinforce its reputation as an exceptional crossroads of cultures.
