Delighted to be able to host in 2025 the works of the artist Ai Weiwei, Qotbi explained in a statement to MAP, that the latter wishes to highlight the Moroccan handicrafts and make it "even more artistic" through his works in order to promote the Moroccan culture.

"The exhibition of this world-famous artist will also bring even more visibility to the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art," he said.

In a statement to MAP TV channel M24, the Chinese artist said he was very happy to be in Morocco and to be able to exhibit his art, at the invitation of Qotbi, adding that this is a first step that he undertakes with the ambition to continue to share his works with the African public.

"Currently living in Lisbon, I think that the geographical proximity will allow me to come much more often to Africa and Morocco to discover the traditions, culture and languages that characterize the continent and to expand my knowledge about it, far from preconceived ideas," said Ai Weiwei.

"Africa is at the heart of my interests and being able to exhibit my work there is a dream for me!" said the artist.

Born on August 28, 1957 in Beijing, Ai Weiwei is a Chinese sculptor, photographer, architect, curator and blogger. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, he first dabbled in drawing and then photography before finding a passion for architecture.

The famous Beijing National Stadium (or "Bird's Nest"), built for the 2008 Olympic Games, is considered as one of Weiwei's flagship projects.