2023-07-30 22:02:09
In a context of economic crisis, culture seems to be neglected in Tunisia. It represents 0.6% of the overall budget, according to the latest figures; the great Bardo museum has, moreover, been closed for nearly two years. However, Tunis is the scene of a cultural proliferation. But the overwhelming majority of artistic performances are supported by foundations or by foreign states, without which cultural activity would collapse. At the same time, Tunisian patrons are multiplying.
From our correspondent in Tunis,
Dreamlike soundtrack made especially for the event. Welcome to Mooja, the last Tunisian art gallery run by a smiling pair: « Inès Van Goor, I am an illustrator… And Farès Chraïet, I am a designer and gallery owner of the Mooja gallery studio. We decided to realize an old family dream: to exhibit Tunisian jewelry and clothes. »
160 m2 of subdued and cozy atmosphere. Carefully crafted lighting to enhance each room. Polyglot and cosmopolitan, the team is aware of the latest fashionable exhibitions in Europe. Farès Chraïet who saw the one dedicated to Japanese kimonos at the Quai Branly in Paris came back more motivated than ever. Three months later, the result amazes even his own mother, at the origin of the collections, forty years ago: ” I present to you my mother, the collector. German. »
« Of German roots, but of Tunisian heart “, insists his mother. ” I suggest we go to the living room, there’s my father over there. “If he willingly presents his family, Farès Chraïet is more reluctant to open his wallet: “ Numbers ! We’re not going to talk numbers… it’s not pretty! »(Laughs)
« Incredible untapped wealth »
At the end of the fourth raise, he ends up answering the question. To set up this free exhibition open to all, he says he spent around 30,000 euros: “ It is not immediately profitable. In the short term, but in the long term, I think it will pay off, hope Fares Chraïet. I would like other people to do that because we are a country of incredible wealth, but we don’t know how to exploit it. »
On site that day, a visitor is delighted with this success. Shiraz Latiri. She, who was Minister of Culture in 2020, remains cautious whenever she sees individuals investing in the sector. ” I’m still very puzzled about the sustainability of the project. This fear comes from the fact that there is no real tradition among Tunisians of going for a walk in a gallery. And even less to acquire. In fact, these initiatives depend on what? From the patron and the funds that they will raise and these are not funds that we can guarantee each year. »
Mooja’s bet seems, in any case, to pay off. The team is now in negotiations with French interlocutors to have the exhibition travel outside of Tunisia.
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