The 11th edition of Sikka Art and Design Fest was held in the heart of Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood from February 24 to March 5. The festival was held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and a member of the Dubai Council. The festival celebrated Dubai’s growing creative landscape by showcasing various exhibitions, installations, talks, poetry nights, musical performances, workshops, and thought-provoking films.
Dubai Culture’s flagship initiative, Sikka Art Fest, aligned with Dubai’s cultural vision of cementing the emirate’s position as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. This year, Sikka presented a variety of art projects and performances, which were displayed across 13 houses, each showcasing different types of art, installations, digital pieces, and various interactive spaces. These included Sikka House, Khaleeji House, Bait Al Film, Digital Arts House, Photography House, Bait Al Khazaf, and Talli House, the latest addition to Sikka.
The festival also featured six murals and nine outdoor installations, in addition to holding over 100 panels, talks, and workshops highlighting the developments of the arts sector and its global trends, as well as various cinema, music, and entertainment activities and performances. The festival provided a unique platform for over 188 Emirati and UAE & GCC-based creatives to showcase their creativity and artistic innovations.
Sikka Art Fest was a unique event on the regional art map that represented an opportunity for emerging artists to create new success stories in the framework of their interaction with the cultural industries as one of the main catalysts for Dubai’s growth and economic diversification. This year’s edition highlighted the developments and successes made by Sikka Art and Design Festival on the local and regional scene over the past decade.
Overall, the festival was an exciting celebration of creativity and innovation that showcased the growing artistic talent in Dubai and promoted culture and creativity among children and visitors alike.