10 dirhams - souvenirs de tanger

In April 2010, visual artist Bart Van Dijck and his artist friends Vaast Colson and Lieven Segers spent a week in Tangier working on an art project. In the ‘Gateway to Africa’, Bart was confronted with the strikingly prominent culture of begging. He then came up with the idea of offering a drawing in exchange for alms and decided to return to Tangier in August of that same year. It was the peak tourist season. Moreover, it was the start of Ramadan. An important fact, as giving alms is one of the pillars of Islam. Consequently, there are more beggars on the streets than in other months.
During his walks through the city, Bart was accosted by glue sniffers, street vendors and drug dealers. He asked them to draw a picture for ten dirhams (about one euro). The result of this request was as disconcerting as it was absurd: an elderly, veiled woman who asked delightedly if he had any coloured pencils with him. A hashish dealer who suddenly forgot his job. A nine-year-old glue sniffer, a badly beaten street dog, who rediscovered his childlike innocence whilst drawing. Turning the situation and the relationship between Bart and the beggar on its head was essential to this project. Because it was new. An artist is always looking for something new.
Bart collected some sixty drawings, each accompanied by a short descriptive text. All of this was compiled into an artist’s book in three languages (Dutch, Arabic and French) entitled “10 Dirhams – Souvenir de Tanger”.
Once 10 Dirhams – Souvenir de Tanger had been printed, Bart returned to Tangier. The intention was to visit the artists again and give them a copy of the book. This was intended to highlight the interaction between them and the artist. But that was not as straightforward as one might have thought. To begin with, the books were confiscated by Moroccan customs. After a quick flick-through, it was decided that: “Ce livre est interdit au Maroc.” It presented a negative image of Moroccan society. As if it consisted solely of beggars. Once this problem had been resolved, it also proved difficult to track down all the artists. Those who were found beamed with pride. Or could not remember a thing about it.

The artists’ book is currently on sale in small bookshops in Tangier. The proceeds from sales, both in Morocco and here, go to the [Darna] centre(http: //www.darnamaroc.org/), which provides shelter and support for street children. A small gesture of solidarity.

10 Dirham was created through a collaboration between Bart Van Dijck, [De Garage/Mechelen Cultural Centre](http: //www.cultuurcentrummechelen.be/tentoonstellingen), [the Frans Masereel Centre](http: //www.fransmasereelcentrum.be/) and Moussem.