The Other Refuge is an exhibition as part of Liverpool Arab Arts Festival 2026. It reflects on the notion of belonging through the eclectic perspectives of UK-based artists of Arab origin (from Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) who have experienced displacement. Their work serves as both a celebration of culture and a tribute to their respective communities. The exhibition is an open invitation to explore what 'home' means: whether rooted in place and territory, carried through family and cultural heritage, or shaped by memory, movement, and lived geographies. Featuring artists Fuad Al-Gaadi, Nasma Aljizawi, and Omer Al Tijani.
Fuad Al-Gaadi is a Yemeni refugee, photographer, and storyteller. His journey brought him from Yemen to the United Kingdom in search of safety and a new beginning. Through his lens, Fuad captures not only images but human stories of resilience, hope, and survival.
Nasma Aljizawi is a Syrian-British photographer whose work brings together storytelling, culture, and contemporary visual practice. Through her focus on horses as narrative partners, she reflects human emotion and brings to light often overlooked stories.
Omer Al Tijani is a British-Sudanese food archivist, activist, writer and chef whose work documents and promotes Sudanese culinary tradition, Working from a personal and archival approach, he has spent years collecting recipes, oral histories and photographs to preserve and share the diverse foodways of Sudan with English-speaking audiences. Founded in 1998, Liverpool Arab Arts Festival is the UK’s longest-running annual Arab arts and culture festival, platforming the best UK and international Arab artists. The festival creates a dynamic between traditional and contemporary Arab artforms, exploring and increasing appreciation of Arab people and their rich cultures. Every July, the festival brings a thrilling celebration of Arab culture to venues across the city with a curated programme of visual art, music, dance, film, theatre, literature and digital events.