Sikka Art & Design Festival: A Creative Showcase for Emerging Talents
The vibrant city of Dubai is often celebrated for its architectural marvels and luxurious lifestyle, but it is also home to a rich and evolving arts scene. Under the esteemed patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, the Sikka Art & Design Festival is set to return for its 14th edition from 23 January to 1 February 2026. Located in the picturesque Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, the festival serves as an innovative platform for showcasing various forms of art, with a particular focus on Emirati and GCC-based talents, both emerging and well-established.
This annual festival aims to empower creatives by providing a dynamic space to display their unique works. It plays a significant role in enriching Dubai’s artistic landscape and bolstering the emirate’s reputation as a global cultural hub. Artists, designers, and performers are invited to participate, thereby contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the festival.
The call for applications opens from June 30 to September 1, and Dubai Culture encourages individuals and collectives from various art forms to apply. This includes visual art, design, new media, photography, public art installations, performing arts, and urban culture. Even music performers, workshop facilitators, and culinary experts have a place in this festival, allowing for a rich and varied experience for attendees. The festival aligns with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy, aiming to foster creative talent and bring fresh perspectives to the city’s cultural offerings.
To ensure a high standard of work, a specialized team of expert curators will review entries and select those that reflect the local community’s richness. Participants must submit new works that have yet to be showcased elsewhere, ensuring originality and freshness in the festival’s offerings.
Interested artists looking to participate can find the application form through this link: Sikka Art & Design Festival Application.
The previous edition of the festival was a resounding success, attracting over 160,000 visitors and featuring the works of more than 364 artists. With around 390 artworks and installations spread throughout 16 houses, 14 courtyards, and the charming alleyways of the neighbourhood, the festival showcased a plethora of artistic expressions. Notably, attendees admired 13 stunning murals that captured the essence of Dubai’s culture and heritage, along with a diverse range of sculptures and nearly 45 public art installations. This aligns perfectly with the goals of the Dubai Public Art Strategy.
In addition to visual art, the festival organized over 460 workshops that explored diverse areas such as art, design, architecture, and traditional crafts, with participation from nearly 6,000 attendees. The arts were not limited to the visual arena; there were 105 live performances, including theatrical acts, orchestra concerts, and piano recitals. An innovative component, ‘The Culinary House,’ showcased art pieces inspired by saffron, enriching the festival’s sensory experience.
Furthermore, the festival provided a platform for more than 17 retail outlets, allowing artists and makers to interact with audiences and gain visibility, facilitating entrepreneurial growth for over 50 individuals. This multifaceted approach underscores the festival’s commitment to nurturing not just artists but also the broader creative community.
