SIKKA art and design festival is a unique celebration of visual and performing arts and films, annually held in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in March under the umbrella of Dubai Art Season. The 2022 edition of the festival, which marks the Festival’s 10th anniversary, is being held under the theme ‘Celebrating Art, Celebrating Growth’ and under its new umbrella, the Sikka Art and Design Platform, which seeks to support the professional growth journey of emerging creative talent. The Festival features a new visual identity inspired by a sidr tree at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This year’s Sikka Art & Design Festival exemplifies the growing vibrance of Dubai’s artistic scene that has emerged as a force to reckon with on the global cultural map.
As part of its new direction, the Sikka Art and Design Festival aims to foster an integrated ecosystem that supports emerging creatives and provides a platform for them to embark on their journey to become professional artists. The artworks featured this year were chosen to create a compelling narrative about the Festival’s journey over the past decade. This year also sees the addition of a Design & New Media house that features interactive installations and spaces.
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is the custodian of Dubai’s cultural and creative sector. Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the Authority is committed to enriching Dubai’s cultural scene based on the UAE’s heritage and is building bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
The Authority is committed to preserving and celebrating Dubai’s history and highlighting its contemporary cultural and creative fabric through a series of mega cultural initiatives, events and projects, and the various cultural and heritage assets under its remit, including the management of 6 historical destinations, 6 museums, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children and 8 Dubai Public Libraries.
The theme of the 10th edition of Sikka Art and Design Festival is inspired by the Sidr tree, which is characterised by firmness and strength and is closely related to the historical heritage of the UAE’s civilisation. The Sidr tree is a national symbol firmly rooted in the UAE’s culture and heritage, in addition to its association with the value of giving. The tree and its broad shadow have always been a part of the national folk tales and songs. This iconic tree from ancient times has been used by poets and scholars in their creations from artistic to scientific and legal.
Dates: March 15-24, 2022
Admission: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: Al Fahidi Historical District
Ticket price: free entry
Organized by: Sikka Art & Design Platform
