Marmoucha Foundation

Since 2002, the Marmoucha Foundation has been a pioneer in initiating, developing, producing and promoting performing arts such as music and musical theatre. In these productions, arts and culture from North Africa and the Middle East – the so-called MENA region – take centre stage. Conversely, Marmoucha also presents Dutch arts and culture within the MENA region. Marmoucha offers a platform to pioneers of new music movements and innovators of existing music styles. Through modern cross-overs, it showcases lesser-known genres to its audiences. And through its own Marmoucha Orchestra, the foundation develops artistic and high-quality stage productions with music and culture from the entire MENA region; with new compositions and arrangements created by its own artists. Marmoucha reflects Dutch society's rich diversity, both on stage and in its audiences. It brings audiences and creators from diverse cultural, social and religious backgrounds together in venues in which they are not normally found. This way, Marmoucha succeeds in connecting to audiences that are often hard to reach for cultural organisations. For important venues such as Paradiso Amsterdam and TivoliVredenburg Utrecht, Marmoucha has become a point of contact for advice, programming and utilisation of its network. Additionally, Marmoucha is socially involved. Globalisation, the refugee crisis, migration and growing nationalism create challenges for our society. Through the arts, Marmoucha reflects on these social developments in its productions.