The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2027 open call is now live, inviting artists, filmmakers, and creatives from across the UAE and worldwide to submit work for one of the region's most prominent cultural events. The submission deadline is June 5, 2026, giving creatives a limited window to prepare and apply.
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A Theme Focused on Identity and Culture
For its 2027 edition, the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival is anchored by the theme "Lost in Translation" — inspired by Sofia Coppola's 2003 film and exploring what it means to exist between cultures, languages, and identities.
The concept examines how meaning shifts when ideas move through different languages and environments. Organisers are particularly interested in personal experiences tied to migration, belonging, and cultural exchange — the moments where something essential is gained or lost in the act of translation itself.
Submissions that explore these ideas through storytelling, visuals, and immersive formats are strongly encouraged.
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Open to Multiple Creative Formats
The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2027 open call welcomes a broad range of disciplines. Artists can submit work in:
- Photography - Painting and Drawing - Sculpture and Installation - Video Art - Short Film (Narrative, Documentary, or Animation) - Student Artwork (two age groups: 6–11 and 12–19)
Artists may submit up to two artworks per medium, across a maximum of two different mediums (four artworks total), along with a 100-word statement connecting the work to the theme. High-resolution files are only required if the submission is selected.
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Who Can Apply
The open call is open to artists and filmmakers of all nationalities and backgrounds, regardless of gender, religion, or geographic location. Both emerging and established creatives are eligible.
UAE-based and international artists are equally welcome, provided their work aligns with the "Lost in Translation" theme and submission guidelines. Past editions have consistently featured artists from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds, and this inclusive structure gives new voices a real opportunity for visibility alongside established contributors.
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From Small Gathering to Major Cultural Event
The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival was founded in 2013 by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, beginning as a modest gathering of around 30 emerging local artists.
It has since grown into one of the UAE's leading cultural events, set within the historic Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village in Ras Al Khaimah — a distinctive backdrop where global artistic practice meets Emirati heritage. The festival now draws regional and international attention, with installations and exhibitions across heritage locations that reinforce RAK's position as a centre for creative expression.
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What to Expect from the 2027 Edition
The 2027 festival is scheduled for January 22 – February 14, 2027, at Al Jazeera Al Hamra. With "Lost in Translation" as the central theme, visitors can expect work exploring communication, identity, and cultural movement through a wide range of creative lenses.
The Grand Jury Prize is AED 12,000 plus a trophy, press coverage, and a feature on the official website — a meaningful recognition for the winner.
The open call allows artists to experiment across formats and challenge conventional boundaries, which has defined the festival's growing reputation since its founding.
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Key Submission Details
- Open Call Period: April 6 – June 5, 2026 - Festival Dates: January 22 – February 14, 2027 - Venue: Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, Ras Al Khaimah - Grand Jury Prize: AED 12,000 + Trophy + Press Feature - Submissions: rakart.artcall.org - Official Website: rakart.ae
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The Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival continues to build its reputation as one of the UAE's most significant platforms for creative expression. With the 2027 open call now live, artists have a clear opportunity to present work that explores identity, language, and cultural experience through the lens of "Lost in Translation."
