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Where is the residency located?

The residency takes place at our Anou space in the Fez medina, located just 5 minutes from the famous Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) in the heart of Morocco's cultural capital. The accommodation is in our beautifully restored 18th century riad.

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What's the minimum stay for a residency?

For residencies focused on learning to weave, we recommend a minimum of one week. Based on feedback from recent residents, most people find it takes around four days just to get fully comfortable with the weaving movements and techniques. After that initial learning period, they really start to speed up and gain confidence. A week-long stay gives you time to learn the fundamentals and complete a meaningful project. If you're working on a shorter timeline, we can accommodate 4-5 day stays, but we'd recommend planning a smaller rug so you have time to both learn and create something you're proud of.

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Do I need prior weaving experience?

Not necessarily! Our artisan mentors can work with all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced weavers looking to learn Moroccan techniques. Let us know your experience level when you reach out, and we'll match you with the right artisan guide.

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What's included in the accommodation?

Your accommodation includes a private room with shared bathroom in our historic riad, plus all meals cooked on-site. We can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences - just let us know what you need. The space has wifi, and you'll be staying in the same building as the creative studio.

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Can I keep what I create during the residency?

Yes! Any pieces you weave during your residency are yours to keep. If you're working on a collaborative design project with an artisan, we can discuss arrangements that work for both parties.

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Do the artisans speak English?

Yes, the artisan leaders who work with residents speak English. While they may not be completely fluent, they can clearly explain concepts, provide guidance, and ensure great communication throughout your stay. We also have team members on-site who can help with translation if needed.

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What should I bring?

We provide all the weaving tools and materials you'll need. Just bring yourself, comfortable clothes for working in the studio, and any personal items you need. If you have specific materials or tools you prefer to work with, you're welcome to bring them along.

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How flexible are the dates? Can I choose when to arrive?

Very flexible! Just let us know what dates work best for you and we can check availability and work with you from there. We'll coordinate everything to match your schedule.

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Do you offer scholarships or sliding scale pricing?

We don't currently offer scholarships or sliding scale options. These are typically reserved for people who have volunteered with Anou over the years, such as through design mentorship or language tutoring.

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Is there an application process?

The application process is simple — we just want to hear how you heard about Anou and why you'd like to stay with us. We're looking for people who share similar values (you can read more on our blog) and who are open to advocating for our mission in Morocco and beyond.

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What is the focus of the residency program?

Right now, our residencies are centered around weaving, which also includes dyeing your own colors in our dye studio. It's ideal for people who want to experience the full process — from preparing and dyeing wool to weaving their own piece. The program is best suited for artisans or artists who want to translate their ideas or artwork into weaving.

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What's the daily schedule like?

Your daily rhythm is flexible and self-directed. Meals are shared with the artisan team that runs Anou: 9:00 am – Breakfast, 2:00 pm – Lunch, 6:00 pm – Snack, 10:00 pm – Dinner. If you're in the early stages, an artisan leader will work with you directly to set up your loom and stay with you until you've mastered the basics. After that, you can continue at your own pace, with artisans always available for guidance. The weaving space and dye studio are open 24 hours.

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What languages are spoken during instruction?

The language of instruction is English, but artisans also speak Arabic, Tashelhit, and sometimes French.

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Do I need a visa?

If you're coming from the US, Canada, UK, or France, you won't need a visa or any special letters. For other countries, please check Morocco's visa requirements for your nationality.

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Where exactly is the riad and is it safe?

You'll be staying in our 18th-century riad, which is staffed 24 hours a day by our team, who also live onsite. The riad is located in one of the most popular neighborhoods in the old city of Fez, right next door to the city's most well-known restaurant. The immediate area is very safe, and our team — primarily women — are always around to assist. That said, we recommend that all residents are inside the riad by 10 pm, when we close the space to outside visitors.

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What are your policies on alcohol and drugs?

We have a zero-tolerance policy for any drugs or alcohol. These cannot be used in the building or anywhere in Fez during your stay, as we are responsible for you for the entirety of your time with us.

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Is the building accessible? Are there stairs?

The building has several stairs, as it's an 18th-century structure with four levels. The dye studio is on the roof, and bedrooms are on the second floor. Unfortunately, the building is not wheelchair accessible.

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How do you recommend I get to Fes?

We've put together a detailed guide covering the best ways to get to our space in Fes, including flight options, ground transportation, and tips for navigating the medina. Read our full recommendations here.

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What is your refund policy?

We do not offer refunds for participant-initiated cancellations, but we do offer credit transfers depending on when you notify us. Changes made 90+ days before arrival can be transferred at no cost. Changes made 60-30 days before arrival are subject to a 20% transfer fee. Changes made less than 30 days before arrival cannot be rescheduled. Learn more about our full refund and rescheduling policy.

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Can I bring a partner or guest who won't be participating in the residency?

Yes! We understand that traveling to Morocco is a big trip, and having someone with you can make it even more special. You can bring one non-participating guest who will share your room and join us for all meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). They're welcome to explore Fes, relax at the riad, or simply enjoy the atmosphere — they just won't be part of the structured residency activities. The cost is 500 MAD per night, and you can add a guest after booking through your booking confirmation page.

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Will there be other residents there during my stay?

Likely yes! We typically have multiple residents at any given time, and everyone has their own private space for working and sleeping. However, we all eat together — communal meals are a big part of the experience. When you're accepted into the program and booking your dates, we encourage (but don't require) residents to share a little about themselves. This way, you can get a sense of who might be there during your stay. You'll see this information on your booking page once you're accepted.

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Is it safe to arrive at Fes airport late at night?

Absolutely! It's completely safe to land at Fes airport late at night, even at 23:10 or later. When you successfully book your residency, you'll have the option to hire our trusted taxi driver who will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you directly to us. There's no need to worry about navigating the medina in the dark — our driver knows exactly where to go and will get you safely to our riad.

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Can I film or take videos during my residency?

Absolutely! You're more than welcome to document your experience, and we encourage you to share it on social media. Our artisans are comfortable with filming and photography — they're proud of their craft and happy to be featured. Just be respectful and ask permission before filming individuals directly, as you would anywhere.

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What size rug can I make in one week?

One week is a good amount of time to learn the basics and create a meaningful piece. Most residents can complete a rug around 50x50 cm (about 20x20 inches) in a week. Keep in mind that the first few days are about getting comfortable with the weaving movements and techniques — once you get past that learning curve, you'll really start to pick up speed!

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What if your accommodation is fully booked? Are there other places to stay?

We're still working on our full recommendations list, but here are a few options we suggest:

Ryad Mabrouka – A boutique riad with a pool and garden. It's on the pricier side but is our top recommendation for comfort and charm.

Cine House – A budget-friendly option with more of a hostel/backpacker vibe. It's only a 6-minute walk from Anou.

Medina Social Club – A great middle ground between Mabrouka and Cine House. It's about a 10-minute walk away but offers a nicer experience than Cine House at a more affordable price than Mabrouka.

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