The 14th Sikka Art and Design Festival has opened in Dubai, offering an innovative platform that brings together various forms of art and celebrates both established and emerging artists from the UAE and the region. This event solidifies Dubai's position as a global cultural hub and a cradle of creativity.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum, President of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and hosted in the historic Al Shindagha district, the festival is part of the Dubai's 'Quality of Life' strategy. Its agenda includes a rich lineup of exhibitions, programs, activities, performance art, and visual arts, contributing to the strength of the cultural and creative industries, a cornerstone of Dubai's creative economy.
Kholoud Khouri, Director of Design at Dubai Culture and Director of the Sikka Festival, confirmed that Dubai continues through the festival to support the ecosystem of arts and creativity, empowering local talents and encouraging them to pursue excellence and enrich the UAE's artistic landscape.
She stated: "The Sikka Art and Design Festival has proven its worth as an exceptional artistic event that fosters creativity, and over time has become a prominent platform showcasing the most significant artistic and creative practices, opening up horizons for individuals with exceptional competencies and enabling them to play their roles and express their ideas and perspectives."
The festival, which runs until February 1st, features the participation of over 450 creators and artists from the UAE, the region, and the world, showcasing approximately 250 artworks. These are distributed across 16 specialized houses, each hosting numerous inspiring creative experiences, including distinctive installations, sculptures, and interactive spaces inspired by the festival's theme 'Visions of Dubai: Narrating Our Future Identity'.
The festival's program, part of the 'Dubai Season for Arts', includes 11 murals by a selection of leading artists, aligning with the 'Public Art' strategy led by Dubai Culture to enhance Dubai's visual culture. It also features seven interactive public artworks and six public art installations, highlighting the uniqueness of the UAE's art scene.
The festival also offers over 500 workshops organized by Sikka Platform, the Al Shindagha Museum (the largest heritage museum in the UAE), and the Jalila Cultural Centre for Children. Additionally, it will host over 30 panel discussions on global art trends. The main stage at Dubai Creek will feature 55 live music performances, along with 10 orchestra, choir, and musical processions.
The Jalila Cultural Centre will present a rich program featuring interactive art workshops and the 'Stars of the Future' competition, aimed at discovering and nurturing young talents in acting, singing, instrumental music, and expressive performance. The festival will also feature live music performances from the 'Centre for Musical Arts'.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in creating the community mural 'Circles Together', designed as a participatory artistic space that reflects the community's voices, stories, and creations.
