A space to create, a space to share.

Aim

We aim to create a dedicated gallery and workshop space to serve as a new creative heart to Dar al fannana, a place to both learn and share.

A Space to Create, A Space to Share

We are Katherine Soutar, a British artist, illustrator and art tutor, and Abdol Laghfiri, a Sahraoiu nomad from M’Hamid El Ghizlane, the gateway to the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco.

Together, we have spent years welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the extraordinary beauty, traditions and culture of the Sahara from our home, Dar al Fannana  “The Artists’ House.”

Nestled on the edge of the desert, Dar al Fannana has become a place where creativity, storytelling and cultural exchange come together. Through artist retreats, storytelling gatherings and immersive desert experiences, we offer guests the opportunity to connect deeply with both the landscape and the people who call it home.

Katherine already hosts art retreats here, inviting participants to explore and express their responses to this remarkable and rapidly changing environment through drawing, painting and creative practice. We have also hosted the internationally renowned storyteller Shonaleigh for her “Skyful of Stories” retreat, celebrating the rich oral traditions that have shaped desert culture for generations.

As a family-run enterprise, Dar al Fannana is deeply rooted in the local community. Members of the Laghfiri family help guide guests into the desert, prepare traditional meals, care for our camels and share the music, stories and hospitality that form the heart of Saharan life

A Vision for the Future

In 2025, thanks to generous supporters and an interest-free loan from a private benefactor, we were able to purchase the neighbouring property before its deteriorating condition caused serious damage to our own home.

What we acquired, however, was far beyond repair. The building had become structurally unsafe and ultimately had to be demolished. While maintaining and safeguarding Dar al Fannana itself has consumed much of our available resources, the newly cleared site has revealed an exciting opportunity: the chance to create something truly special.

We now have the opportunity to expand Dar al Fannana into a unique centre for creativity, cultural preservation and community engagement in the Sahara.

What We Want to Build

Our long-term vision includes additional guest accommodation, allowing us to welcome more visitors and make our retreats accessible to families and those requiring greater privacy or accessibility.

However, the most important element of this project is the creation of a dedicated gallery and workshop space.

This new building will serve as the creative heart of Dar al Fannana: a place where artists, storytellers, writers and visitors can gather to learn, create and exchange ideas.

At present, our art retreats are limited to just four participants because we simply do not have enough working space. A purpose-built studio and gallery would allow us to expand our programmes, host larger groups and welcome visiting artists and cultural practitioners from around the world.

The space will also be available as a community resource, providing opportunities for local organisations and groups to meet, collaborate and hold events.

Supporting Local Creativity

The gallery will showcase Katherine’s artwork alongside work created by local artists and craftspeople, providing a platform for creative talent from the region and creating new opportunities for income generation.

Beyond tourism, our ambition is to invest in the next generation.

We hope to offer free art and creative workshops for local children and young people, introducing skills and opportunities that are often difficult to access in remote desert communities. Particular emphasis will be placed on encouraging participation by women and girls and supporting both traditional and contemporary forms of artistic expression.

The region already benefits from initiatives that preserve its musical heritage. We believe the visual arts, storytelling traditions and local crafts deserve the same support and visibility.

Creating a Living Space

Alongside the gallery, we plan to transform the larger garden area into a vibrant outdoor creative space.

The garden will provide room for workshops, gatherings and events while also supporting biodiversity through the creation of habitats for birds and insects. We hope to grow more of our own herbs and vegetables, creating a greener and more sustainable environment for visitors and the local community alike.

Why Your Support Matters

This project is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about preserving cultural heritage, supporting local livelihoods, creating opportunities for young people and building a place where people from different cultures can meet, learn from one another and be inspired.

With your support, Dar al Fannana can become a lasting centre for creativity, cultural exchange and community development on the edge of the Sahara Desert.

Together, we can create a space to create and a space to share

photo below is Shonaleigh, an wonderful storyteller and workshop leader who will return to us next year with her brilliant storytelling course

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 9th August 2026 at 10:32am