ABOUT US
The storytellers union for cultural innovation and art of storytelling is an Non-Governmental and non-for-profit organization that tackles that art of storytelling in Morocco. Established in 2022 right after COVID-19 by a group of storytelling artists of the new generation in Marrakech with one purpose: STORYTELLING.
The name alludes to what the union works on:
Storytellers Union: An international hub and incubator for storytellers and storytelling projects. The union is a networking platform for storytelling around the world to discuss and put together cultural and artistic projects.
Cultural innovation: we believe that culture and tradition are a living moving thing. The core of our work in cultural production is nurturing and framing innovative ideas and putting them into practice
Art of Storytelling: Our world is storytelling and oral tradition in all its forms and shapes:
Storytelling brings the world together, it is an instrument for change and impact on individuals and communities alike.
The Storytellers Union strives to provide opportunities for artists to learn, network, exchange and perform as well as establishing a split cultural and artistic movement that focuses on strengthening the dynamics between artists and their communities in Marrakech and Morocco.
OUR OBJECTIVES:
– Promoting Marrakech as the storytelling heart of the world.
– Nurturing and incubating the next generation of storytellers.
– Raising awareness about storytelling.
– Creating a solid network of storytelling artists in Morocco and around the world.
– Creating and sustaining cultural projects between countries.
– Promoting peace and coexistence through storytelling art.
– Documenting and protecting the oral heritage and tradition in Morocco
OUR VALUES:
Core Values
COLLABORATION:
collaboration and co-creation is the starting point of all our projects
AWARENESS:
Cultural awareness is the heart of our actions and projects.
SUSTAINABILITY:
We aim to create sustainable actions and projects that goes hand in hand with the cultural vision in Morocco
Work Values
COLLABORATION:
collaboration and co-creation is the starting point of all our projects
AWARENESS:
Cultural awareness is the heart of our actions and projects.
SUSTAINABILITY:
We aim to create sustainable actions and projects that goes hand in hand with the cultural vision in Morocco
THE FOUNDER:
Zouhair Khaznaoui is an accomplished Cultural/Artistic Entrepreneur whose unwavering passion
for the rich and diverse cultural traditions of Morocco has been the driving force behind his
illustrious career. With a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling, Zouhair has been trained
and initiated by renowned Maalems (masters) of storytelling in Morocco such as Haj Ahmed
Ezzarghani, Abderrahim AL-Azzalia, and Mohamed Bariz.
Drawing from his extensive training and exposure to a wide range of artists and scholars from
around the world, including Moulay Jaafar El Kansoussi, John Row, Baba-C, Sef Townsend, and
Raymond de la Fontaine, Zouhair has developed a unique and authentic style that reflects his
profound understanding of the universal appeal of storytelling.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Zouhair’s academic background in English Literature and
Cultural Studies, Graduating from The Technical University of Dresden, Germany, has provided
him with a solid foundation for his interest in storytelling. As an international student, he was able
to travel and study abroad, gaining exposure to a diverse range of artistic perspectives and
experiences. Zouhair’s expertise in storytelling extends beyond the realm of art and culture. He
has also been trained by top managers of Coca-Cola in the storytelling approach to sales
OUR NUMBERS:
Media Reach:
620M+
Moroccan Artists :
40+
students impact:
2700+
workshops:
130
International Artists :
200+
Projects:
6