Latifa bin Mohammed Inaugurates the 12th Edition of SIKKA Art and Design Festival
Dunai, The Gulf Observer: Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, officially inaugurated the 12th edition of the SIKKA Art and Design Festival. This landmark event, themed “New Creativity, Same Path,” serves as a testament to the diversity and richness of Dubai’s creative landscape.
Running until the 3rd of March in the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, this year’s festival showcases a convergence of artistic and design excellence. During her visit to the festival, Sheikha Latifa engaged with numerous artists from the UAE, the GCC, and beyond, expressing a keen interest in the diverse array of events, projects, and artistic creations on display.
She commended the artists for their exceptional work and creativity, underscoring their significant contribution to the emirate’s cultural scene. Sheikha Latifa praised the innovative and outstanding nature of their ideas and creative visions, recognizing their role in shaping Dubai’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
Exploring various festival venues, including the “Digital Khaleeji House,” “Archiving the Now House” featuring the Kebarona Exhibition, “Bait Al Khazaf,” dedicated to the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, and the “House of the Emirates Fine Arts Society,” among others, Sheikha Latifa expressed her appreciation for the diverse and immersive experiences offered by the festival.
Sheikha Latifa remarked, “SIKKA Art and Design Festival has established itself as a premier creative event, championing innovation and artistic excellence, empowering Dubai’s creative economy, and serving as a vital cultural and artistic platform. It encourages artists and creators to play an active role in the cultural and creative industries, offering them a stage to showcase their ideas to a global audience.”
Highlighting the festival’s role in supporting emerging talents and youth, Sheikha Latifa emphasized its contribution to enriching the local artistic landscape and positioning Dubai as a global hub for the creative economy. The SIKKA Art and Design Festival, a key event on the 2024 Dubai Art Season calendar, boasts the participation of over 500 artists and creatives from the UAE, the GCC, and various global corners.
This year’s edition features a diverse program, including exhibitions, events, performances, visual art showcases, and over 200 workshops. The festival aims to create a sustainable environment that fosters creativity and talent, consolidating Dubai’s status as a global center for art and culture.
The SIKKA Art and Design Festival showcases over 100 artworks across 14 houses and several courtyards, representing a unique blend of art forms, from installations and digital works to sculptures and interactive spaces. Notably, this edition introduces culinary art experiences inspired by architecture, Artificial Intelligence, and computational design, along with a dedicated digital house showcasing Khaleeji artists and ten new public art installations that adorn the corridors of Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood.
