Culture vultures, it’s officially Dubai Art Season! A string of artistic and cultural events are going to flood Dubai starting with the Sikka Art & Design Festival. Back for its 12th edition, this creative festival is shaking up things with a new location this year. Instead of taking over the alleys of Bur Dubai’s Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, this year the festival is crossing the creek and headed to Deira’s Al Shindagha District.
Either way, it’s staying true to its name. Wondering what I’m on about? Fun fact: Sikka is the Arabic word for alleyway. For those of you who’ve dragged your heels when it comes to exploring old Dubai, this is your moment. Activities and events are running from February 23 to March 3 and will be spread out across 13 heritage houses in the Al Shindagha district.
The heritage district’s narrow alleys and bylanes winding between the traditional sandstone buildings will come alive with art installations, live musical performances, murals, panel discussions and mouthwatering food stalls as part of Sikka Art And Design Festival.
Over 500 artists from the UAE and GCC and around the world will be bringing this creekside neighbourhood alive with more than 100 artworks. You could easily lose yourself in the alleys and courtyards chockful of interactive exhibits and live performances. This list below should help you stay on path and check off all the must-see highlights at Sikka Art and Design Festival.
1. Food market and supper clubs
A festival without food is unimaginable and Sikka doesn’t disappoint at all. 28 of Dubai’s beloved homegrown restaurants and cafes have put up stalls so visitors can savour their mouthwatering food and inspiring success stories. Although the full line-up hasn’t been announced yet, we know that this year guests can experience unique culinary art sessions focusing on architecture, AI and Computational Design, supper clubs hosted by 8 chefs and dedicated culinary workshops. Popular players in the food scene such as pop-up cafe The Grotto, Rumailah Farms, Nightjar Coffee, LENTO and more.
2. Installations, digital art and sculptures
10 outdoor installations and eight stunning murals are highlights this year at Sikka art and Design Festival’s. Artist collective and creative space Studio Thirteen have some interesting creations brewing. Also, swing by The Uraban House by screenprinting studio The Workshop DXB. They’ll be transforming a historic house into a creative space full of workshops and a synth room.
Another must-visit is the Digital Khaleeji House – the space will showcase seven talented regional artists’ audio and video exhibits focusing on Khaleeji culture and digital storytelling. Inside House 207 you’ll witness the creations of paper artist Masarratfatima Sulaimani, jewellery artist and animator Boubaker Boukhari, visual artist Roudhah Al Mazrouei, textured acrylic works of Batool Alblooshi and more.
3. Live music
Music’s rightful place in the art world is cemented with free-to-attend live music performances at Sikka Art and Design Festival. This time around, you’ll get to see the Fontane di Roma, the Italian Youth Orchestra, in action, with haunting classical melodies echoing around the rustic courtyards. Besides, 70 other musicians and performers will take to the festival’s main stage during the nine-day event.
4. Workshops and talks
Something that’s a sure shot at Sikka is picking up new skills or engaging in hobbies you love thanks to a host of absolutely free workshops. So far a Kebarona Photo Walk to snap portraits of this atmospheric and charming old neighbourhood. You can also get down and arty with hands-on workshops teaching cooking, pottery, painting and more.
More of a thinker than a doer? Attend roundtables about the UAE’s Unconventional Art Scene featuring Swiss DJ and artist Maxine Cramatte and Swiss-Japanese curator Sophie Mayuko Arni as well as women-centric panel discussion called Dubai Women’s Talks hosted by Amna Belhoul, the Executive Creative Director of Events and Entertainment at Expo City.
Find more details here