12th Sikka Art and Design Festival concludes on high note

Dubai Culture announced that the event, held under the umbrella of the Dubai Art Season, attracted over 162,000 visitors who immersed themselves in various artworks and masterpieces showcased across the houses within Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. Additionally, attendees actively participated in artistic performances, entertainment shows, workshops, and engaging discussion sessions throughout the 10-day festival.

Fatma Al Helo, Project Manager of the Sikka Art and Design Festival, emphasised the event’s integral role within the local art scene. She commended the success of this edition, noting its significant impact and attractiveness within the artistic community, saying, “Sikka has effectively enriched the Emirati, GCC, and international cultural and artistic landscape, elevating public appreciation through unique cultural experiences and high-quality artworks. It plays an integral role in providing opportunities for established and emerging artists to showcase their creativity, thereby supporting and promoting Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.”

This year’s edition featured the participation of over 500 artists from the UAE, GCC, and the world, presenting approximately 300 artworks showcased across 14 houses. 

The festival also presented a diverse array of 10 installations, each reflecting unique cultural experiences and contributing to the strength of Dubai’s Public Art strategy, including ‘Shera’a’ by artist AlZaina Lootah, which drew inspiration from the creek’s rich commercial heritage and Dubai’s adaptability to change; ‘Hues of Trade’ by artist Abdalla Almulla, through which he expressed the vibrancy of trade in the city; ‘Sheryan Al Hayat’ by Dr Afra Atiq; and ‘The Sea of Floating Dreams’ by Chinese artist Gary Young and Enforce one.