The 9th edition of the Urban Art Week Festival (Tangier | 3 – 7 September 2025) brought together a vibrant mix of street culture, youth engagement, and artistic collaboration. Spanning six days of dynamic programming—from graffiti and dance battles to workshops and concerts—the festival highlighted the depth and diversity of the urban arts scene in Morocco and beyond.

With activities designed for children, youth, and the wider public, the event fostered creativity, inclusion, and cultural expression across all generations. The festival knew the participation of over 40 artists and had +1000 visitors.

Program Highlights

Day 1: Welcoming Day (Tuesday, 02 Sept)

The festival kicked off with a meeting of the team manager, the volunteers and the artists who had a fun evening preparing the LABO space for the exhibition and the activities.

Day 2: Vernissage Expo Graffiti & Shops (Wednesday, 3 Sept)
The festival kicked off with a vernissage of the collective Graffiti/urban art exhibition, including a market for small local creative businesses. The event was animated with music jam and networking sessions, setting a warm, communal tone for the days ahead.

Day 3: Kids Day (Thursday, 4 Sept)
A day dedicated to the very young raising talents featuring workshops in Graffiti; Popping dance; Acrobatie; Rap writing and Flow. The day was closed by a fun-filled Game Room for Kids, providing safe, engaging entertainment.

This day emphasized play, learning, and early exposure to urban art forms in an inclusive and welcoming setting.

Day 4: Youth Day (Friday, 5 Sept)
Focused on teenagers and young adults, the festival offered workshops in Bleach art on fabric and a Contemporary dance Masterclass. The workshops were followed by a Film Screening exploring urban culture and migration. The day was closed by a Game Room event, encouraging interaction and relaxation through console games, board games, social games and martial art Battles.

These activities fostered artistic experimentation and critical thinking, with youth as active participants and creators.

Day 5: Dance Day (Saturday, 6 Sept)
One of the most energetic days which featured a national 1vs1 all style battle in partnership with Detours festival Bruxelles. Over 40 dancers from all Morocco participated in this competition and whom warmed up the numerous public who was present. Two others “Work-in-Progress” contemporary shows competing for a residency in Belgium and offering sneak peeks into emerging projects were also showcased in the Battles’ breaks.

Finally, the night was closed with a DJ Gig of the famous Disco Atlas, specialist in Retro Maghreb and rai mix music.

Day 6: Street Art Day (Sunday, 7 Sept)
The final activities day was held in a public open space (Park of Mendoubia) and programmed

  • A live Graffiti Competition and Painting Jam themed on women’s empowerment.
  • The showcase of two Work-in-Progress Shows in competition for a residency in Belgium.
  • Awards Ceremony for the winners of Graffiti and dance competition.
  • An Open mic of Rap and Hip-Hop music.
  • A powerful Hip-Hop Concert animated by the best local and national rappers.

Conclusion

Urban Art Week – 9th Edition successfully celebrated the spirit of urban creativity, community, and collaboration. Tangier once again affirmed its place as a cultural hub for street art and youth expression. The event not only entertained but empowered—laying the foundation for an even more ambitious 10th edition. Thanks to our engaged public, to all the amazing artists participants, to our great team and volunteers who helped especially the two ESC Italian volunteers who supported the festival’s team during two weeks, and finally to our partners and sponsors especially AIDA, UAF Detours, LINK Associazione, European Solidarity Corps, ALC, Lerchunndi, Ministery of culture.

Article by Jihan Mrabet.