Italian/Emirati fusion menu by Antica Australis shines at RAKFAF
The 11th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) opens to the public on 3 February 2023 at the Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village – the historic home of the ancient Al Za’ab tribe and pearling village dating back to the 17th century.
Established under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, this year’s festival will showcase the talent of more than 120 local and international artists from over 35 countries under the theme of ‘Nature’.
The latest edition of RAKFAF is presented by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority (RAKTDA).
RAKFAF will also host the first-ever Middle East culinary journey by Chef Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi from the award-winning Australian restaurant Antica Australis. Inspired by Ras Al Khaimah’s organic farms, and foraged natural flora, the team will curate a special four-course Italian-Emirati fusion menu.
Alfio Tommasini, Festival Curator and Art Director for RAKFAF, said: “The perception of nature around us always starts from a journey that begins inside of ourselves. In the case of those who transform it into artistic forms, a personal sensibility is shared with us to stimulate our curiosity and show us the many possibilities of representing it.”
He added: “Ras Al Khaimah as a region itself is an enchanting desert that includes the rich heritage of the Al Hamra Heritage village – a site carved out of clay, sand and coral. RAKFAF is a meaningful connecting point for global artists to come together, interact and showcase their unique art depicting nature in various forms.”
From art to heritage talks, thematic weekend programmes, art workshops, musical performances, film screenings and much more, RAKFAF will engage the community through diverse cultural and creative experiences.