The Sino-French Food & Art Fusion Creative Project Makes Its China Debut in Fuzhou
Recently, the Sino-French Food & Art Fusion Exchange Project-“À Table!”-made its debut in China, officially openingin Fuzhou as part of the 2024 Festival Croisements, with the theme “Happy Gathering.” Using food as a medium, itblendslocal culture, intangible heritage, art, and more, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and connecting the world.
According to reports,the project was recommended by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, and launched by the Institut français and the French Consulate General in Guangzhou. It washosted by the Fuzhou Cangshan District People’s Government and Ronghui Group, and co-organized by the Guihu Art Museum in Fujian Provinceand other institutions, with support from the Foreign Affairs Office of the Fuzhou Municipal People’s Governmentand the Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.
The Sino-French Food & Art Exchange Project“À Table!” was founded in 2019 by two French artists. Keti Irubetagoyena, one of the founders, is the artistic director and theater director at Théâtre Variable 2 in France, while Kelly Paulme, the other founder, is a former Michelin-starred chef who now runs a creative restaurant. The “ÀTable!” project combines food and art,integratingFrench cuisine with regional flavorsto createa table of creative dishes. By using the dining table as a stage, the project carefully curates tablescapes and dining rhythms, aiming to broaden perspectives,push boundaries, and foster cross-disciplinary cultural and artistic exchanges.The project has been successfully held in several places such as the Institut d’Avignon, Bryn Mawr College, Hôtel Lamoignon, Collège François Rabelais and Lycée Thomas Jean-Main, as well as the Maison française d’Oxford.
The “À Table!”project made its China debut in Fuzhou. Thiscity is currently bidding for “City of Gastronomy,”whichwillalso be the fourth city in China to be featured in the Michelin Guide, a prestigious restaurant referencein the world, later this year.The rich historical traditions and modern innovations of Fujian cuisine, combined with the region’s distinctive geographical landscape and cultural craftsmanship, will offer French artists an abundance of creative contentand inspiration throughout their journey in China.
On October 27, the two founders arrived in Fuzhou to begin their one-month artistic journey. During this period, they will immerse themselves in Fuzhou’s cultural arts, natural heritage, and culinary traditions, while also exploring the ingredients and techniques of Fujian cuisine. They will work closely with local chefs, food lovers, and various professionals to explore innovative ways to merge Chinese and French culinary cultures. The project will culminate in “À Table!”- an immersive, multidisciplinary artistic feast that will showcase food, music, dance, calligraphy, floral arrangements, and pottery. (Fuzhou Daily Reporter:Qian Jiayi)