Joe Sidek, the man behind the George Town Festival, is taking culture appreciation to another level and this time, he’s been tasked to bring attention to Sarawak’s rich indigenous arts and culture.

 Set to take place in the heart of Kuching from July 7 to 16, the 10-day Rainforest Fringe Festival – a prelude to the Rainforest World Music Festival – is a celebration of the best that the Bumi Kenyalang has to offer in art, crafts, music, fashion, food, film and photography.

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During the announcement at a luncheon recently, the festival force said: “Highlights of the festival will include Sada Kamek: Music of Sarawak; rare and the most beautiful photos you will ever see of the indigenous communities documented by Jimmy Nelson and KF Wong; and a talk on Alfred Wallace, a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist and biologist.”

A private fashion gala will take place at The Waterfront Hotel and it will be headlined by designers such as Datuk Tom Abang Saufi, Edric Ong, Ramsay Ong, Tanoti and Neng Kho Razali.

"We will also be introducing Ong Shunmugam's latest collection, a collaboration with pua kumbu artisans," added the festival veteran.

Much to the delight of the guests, Joe also announced the search for KL’s 50 coolest bunch to fill up #KuchingExpress. The hand-picked 50 will be flown in to Kuching and hosted to the festival highlights. 

For more details on the festival, please visit the Rainforest Fringe Festival Facebook page here.

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