Bringing the Past and Present Together Through Art

The Resonance installation, created by graphic designer Maryam Namvar and architect Neda Salmanpour, is an immersive and interactive art piece that invites visitors into a sensory conversation with the past and present of Al Shindagha. Curated by Munira Al Sayegh, the piece comprises three delicately suspended metal panels that move with the wind, reflect shifting light, and echo the rhythms of the creek. The installation draws inspiration from the constant movement of water, trade, architecture, languages, and communities that have long shaped life in this area. The piece’s dynamic nature highlights the cultural evolution of Al Shindagha, incorporating elements of the community’s history, while also adding a contemporary touch.

Promoting Public Art for Community Engagement

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, stressed that public art plays an essential role in the emirate’s cultural ecosystem. He emphasized that the Dubai Public Art Strategy is a platform for artists to draw from Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and express their creative visions. “Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood stands as a witness to the evolution of Dubai into a global city,” said Dr. Bin Kharbash, highlighting the importance of the site in Dubai’s collective memory.

Maryam Namvar and Neda Salmanpour, the artists behind the installation, said, “Al Shindagha serves as a cultural and historical touchstone, and, with our artwork Resonance, we wanted to capture the emotion of being there. We aim to contribute to the ever-evolving culture and context of the city by creating a piece that will evoke thought, emotion, and conversation.”

Continuing Dubai’s Public Art Journey

Resonance is the first in a series of three Dubai Public Art projects, which will continue to bring thought-provoking art into public spaces like the Shindagha Historic District, Al Quoz Creative Zone, and Hatta. This initiative reflects Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Alserkal Arts Foundation’s ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic excellence among UAE-based artists, fostering deeper connections between the city’s creative community and its people.

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Murals Capturing Tradition, Identity, and Modernity

Among the 13 striking murals, notable works include:

• ‘A Heritage of Night’ by Eman Alrashdi, merging Emirati identity with a Van Gogh-inspired night sky.
• ‘Child’s Play’ by Perryhan El-Ashmawi, portraying childhood joy and creativity.
• ‘Rooted Connections’ by Karim Jabbari, blending Arabic calligraphy and poetry.
• ‘Dream Big’ by Noé Peiró, symbolizing Dubai’s rise from a fishing village to a global city.

Other murals explore urban life, nature, and cultural heritage, showcasing the depth of talent from regional and international artists.

Innovative Sculptures and Installations

Over 40+ installations redefine the landscape, including:

• ‘Shells’ by Dr Mohamed Yousif, depicting Dubai’s coastal history through stone carving.
• ‘Dubai Heart’ by Azza Al Qubaisi, exploring the UAE’s traditions and identity.
• ‘Starry Sky in Dubai’ by Liu Yang, a dynamic light sculpture inspired by celestial movements.
• ‘Moon’ by Mohamed Sahnoun, a calligraphy-adorned marble piece that shifts between full and crescent moon perspectives.

Interactive and Sustainable Art

Artworks like ‘Make-A-Friend’ by Hend Almurid, an installation allowing visitors to build their own sculptures, and ‘Renewal’ by Studio Thirteen X Nordic Homeworx, made from recycled wood, highlight the festival’s focus on community engagement and sustainability.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is supported by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Civil Defence, ensuring a well-curated cultural experience.

With immersive art, heritage-inspired creations, and futuristic installations, Sikka 2025 cements Dubai’s position as a thriving hub for artistic innovation and cultural storytelling.

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This annual festival invites Emirati and UAE & GCC-based artists, creatives, and designers to participate by submitting their works across a variety of artistic mediums. The festival encompasses a broad spectrum of art forms, including visual arts, painting, sculpture, photography, design, murals, multimedia, and culinary arts. It also features a comprehensive program of interactive workshops, musical and cinematic performances, and a series of talks and panel discussions aimed at enhancing the local cultural scene and reflecting global art trends.

Artists interested in showcasing their work at the festival must submit their applications by October. Following this, a panel of experts and seasoned artists will review the entries and select those that best meet the festival’s criteria.

We designed the open call to engage both established and emerging talents within the UAE and GCC, whether they work independently or as part of a collaborative group. Submit original, recent works that you have not previously exhibited at other festivals or events, and use environmentally friendly materials whenever possible. Detailed submission guidelines and the application form are available on the Dubai Culture website.

The Sikka Art & Design Festival is more than just an art exhibition; it is a celebration of diverse artistic expression and innovation. It aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a leading global cultural hub, fostering creativity, and nurturing artistic talent. The festival not only provides a platform for showcasing creative works but also serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and community engagement.

Last year’s festival attracted an impressive 162,000 visitors who explored artworks displayed across 14 historic houses in Al Shindagha. With participation from over 500 artists and approximately 300 artworks, the festival offered a rich array of artistic and entertainment experiences. The success of the previous editions highlights the festival’s role in promoting cultural engagement and its growing importance in Dubai’s cultural calendar.

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