Multiple cultural and artistic events were rolled out across the central provinces of the nation to commemorate National Artist Day. Exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, screenings, literary gatherings, and award ceremonies highlighted the festivities organized to pay tribute to the creators who contribute significantly to the prominence of national culture.
From Blida to Djelfa, including Tizi Ouzou, Bouira, Bejaia, Boumerdes, and Ain Defla, local officials and cultural bodies seized the opportunity to applaud the careers of artists, writers, actors, musicians, and cultural advocates. This gathering was also highlighted by tributes paid to several late figures alongside showcasing new generations of visionaries, illustrating the vitality of the Algerian cultural landscape and its diverse artistic expressions.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, oversaw an artistic ceremony in the evening at Tipasa titled “Eternal Message,” held at the Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania, marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the President of the Republic Prize for Young Creators “Ali Maachi.”
For instance, in Blida, governor Djamel-Eddine Hashas supervised a celebration held at the “late Mahmoud Zemmouri” theater in Boufarik, marked by robust attendance from the artistic community. A tribute was paid there to the late Rabah Deriassa and Mahmoud Zemmouri. Driven by various artistic and cultural associations, including “El Djenadia,” “Diar El Andalous,” and “Saberine El Andalous,” this event also offered an opportunity to recognize several creators and performers. Among them were Noureddine Ben Ghali, Mohamed Alia, actor Amine Abdelli, Boualem Mamou, and comedian Amirouche Rabat—winner of the best male actor award at the 18th edition of the professional theater festival (2026). It also honored novelist Aicha Belnour, recognized in 2025 by the President of the Republic, alongside vocalist Abdallah Ben Dada.
In Ain Defla, governor Aissa Aziz Bouras led a celebration characterized by fine arts exhibitions, traditional crafts, and book displays. The event featured the screening of the documentary “The Flames of Art Never Die,” as well as an artistic showcase supported by several performers. Cultural and literary icons from the province were also recognized for their dedication to preserving and promoting national heritage.
For its part, the Directorate of Culture and Arts of Tizi Ouzou designed an extensive cultural and artistic agenda running from June 20 to 25 across its various venues. This features a special tribute to the Algerian musician Medjahed Hamid, an iconic figure of Algerian Radio, along with an exhibition titled “The Miniature, Between Modernity and Historical Memory” by miniature artist Djamel Gouraya, on display at the art gallery of the “Mohia” open-air regional theater until June 30. Furthermore, the Algerian Cinema Club of the Tizi Ouzou Cinematheque will host on Sunday a special screening of the movie “Al-hayat ma baad” (The Life After) by Algerian filmmaker and screenwriter Anis Djaad, followed by a discussion on his artistic journey.
In Bouira, local administrators paid tribute to several artists from the province as well as the families of deceased creators. Displays and workshops centered on books, poetry, fine arts, and drawing were also set up with the involvement of numerous local artists. During a ceremony led by governor Houria Aggoune, accolades were given to the families of late artists Arezki Farah, Arezki Larbi, and Mnouer Fettouh, alongside several local cultural figures, including Lakhdar Zouaid and Salem Ben Zitoun in theater, and Laadja Boukedad for poetry.
In Boumerdes, the Directorate of Culture marked National Artist Day at the main public reading library, where several pioneers of art, drama, and creative work were honored. These included the late novelist and screenwriter Abdelaziz Ben Mahdjoub, known as Habib Ayoub, the late actress Fatiha Saker, chaabi music singer Sadek Safroun, and visual artist Ali Koussa. Professional artist cards were also distributed to several recipients.
In Bejaia, recognition was given to the province’s artists through a ceremony featuring exhibitions, musical acts, and the handover of artist credentials. Additionally, the “Abdelmalek Bouguermouh” regional theater honored the memory of the late Tahar Khelfaoui by naming the theater’s art gallery after him.
In Djelfa, various artistic initiatives took place at the “Ibn Rochd” cultural center, notably an exhibition of paintings produced by local artists. Local authorities also honored several creators during a ceremony highlighted by vocal performances in the naili style and poetic recitations, including works by poet Mohamed Taleb Abou, who recently secured third place at the Katara International Prize for Arabic Poetry in Qatar.