Morocco’s Fadila El Gadi awarded Gold Medal of the Arts Kennedy Center

MARRAKECH - Moroccan designer Fadila El Gadi, was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal of the Arts by the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, better known as the Kennedy Center. 

At the luxurious Royal Mansour Hotel in Marrakech, Deborah F. Rutter, president of the Kennedy Center, bestowed the Gold Medal upon Fadila El Gadi in recognition of her exceptional career, her talent, and her commitment to the Moroccan community. 

"A self-made woman, she owes her successful career to her hard work and dedication, while remaining humble, down to earth, and open. Fadila’s passion also includes teaching her craft. She launched a school for embroidery in her hometown of Salé and hopes the skill will carry through to the next generation of Moroccan artists," said the Kennedy Center management team. 

Since 2005, the Gold Medal is "a recognition of the unique way artists from around the world enrich our lives," said Rutter.

"This year's recipients not only represent various aspects of Morocco's historical and cultural dynamics but illustrate how we can use art as a cultural diplomacy tool and create an international community," she added.

"I am very happy and deeply honored by this tribute. This motivates me to uplift the colors of my country higher and wider and to protect, through my creations, our traditional heritage while at the same time integrating modern design", said Fadila El Gadi. 

The Kennedy Center, based in Washington DC, awards performing artists and leaders of the art world, both in the US and across the world.

This year, Fadila El Gadi was awarded the Gold Medal as a recognition for her efforts and her contribution to the arts on a global scale.

It should be noted that the Kennedy Center is one of the leading cultural centers in the US. It opened in 1971 and is the result of a public/private endeavor.

The Center counts many units dedicated to artistic education. Its main mission is to develop the arts and to encourage cultural exchanges.