Sharjah Light Festival: A Celebration of Art and Culture

This year’s festival reaffirmed Sharjah’s status as a hub of creativity and artistic diversity. Over the course of 11 days, renowned international artists showcased their latest innovations in light projections and interactive digital technologies. More importantly, the event highlighted Sharjah’s cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and engineering excellence.

The festival featured an impressive lineup of performances that captivated audiences. Among the standout shows were “A Journey Through Light and Culture” at Sharjah Mosque, “The Light of the East” at Al Rafisah Dam in Khor Fakkan, “The Story of the Wadi” at Al Dhaid Fort, “An Extraordinary Vision” at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, and “Arts in Harmony” on the walls of Al Tayyari Mosque in Dibba.

Additionally, installation art and light sculptures brought various locations to life. Visitors experienced “Eclipse of Innovation” at BEEAH Headquarters, “The Pillars of Unity” in Aljada Park, “Beacons of Dialogue” on Al Heera Beach, “Eco Radiance” at Al Majaz Waterfront, and “Oceanic Harmony” at Al Hefaiyah Lake in Kalba.

Sharjah Light Festival: New Locations and Advanced Visual Displays

This year’s festival introduced new locations, further expanding its artistic reach. Notably, Khor Fakkan’s special show, “The Light of the East,” provided a visually striking journey through the city’s history using advanced 3D projection mapping. Similarly, “A Journey Through Light and Culture” transformed the facades of Sharjah Mosque into an immersive canvas of vibrant storytelling.

Meanwhile, “The Story of the Valley” at Al Dhaid Fort explored the region’s ancient settlements, emphasizing Sharjah’s deep-rooted cultural traditions. By incorporating cutting-edge technology, these shows elevated the festival’s appeal, drawing significant local and international attention.

Strengthening Sharjah’s Cultural Landscape

During the closing ceremony, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, expressed gratitude to all contributors. He emphasized that the Sharjah Light Festival has strengthened the emirate’s reputation as a leading cultural and tourism destination.

He stated, “This festival reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Year after year, it continues to captivate audiences, showcasing the emirate’s rich heritage through a fusion of art and technology. It is truly a unique experience that reinforces Sharjah’s position on the global tourism calendar.”

Al Midfa also affirmed that future editions will introduce even more innovative performances, ensuring continued artistic excellence. Moreover, he highlighted the festival’s role in supporting young talents, encouraging new creative projects, and expanding cultural engagement.

Boosting Local Economy and Community Engagement

Beyond its artistic impact, the Sharjah Light Festival contributes significantly to the local economy. The event supports entrepreneurs through the Light Village, which features over 70 national SMEs and runs until February 23. This vibrant marketplace allows visitors to explore local crafts, enjoy interactive experiences, and participate in creative workshops.

Additionally, the village offers weekend activities, live entertainment, and a dedicated children’s play area. This engaging outdoor space ensures a family-friendly atmosphere, where guests can immerse themselves in the festival’s magic while celebrating community, creativity, and innovation.

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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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The creative application of technology is an increasing trend in emerging art. Technology has altered the way we create, consume, and engage with art. Novel forms of digital art, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive installations, are being explored by emerging artists. These experimental forms of art transcend the boundaries of traditional art, enabling artists to generate immersive and interactive experiences for their audiences. Technology has also made it accessible for artists to share their work with a broader demographic using internet platforms and social media.

The increasing focus on political and social issues is another emerging trend in the art world. Many emerging artists are using their art to express social and political statements about issues such as climate change, social justice, and identity politics. Not only are these artists raising awareness about these concerns, but they are also questioning the status quo and demanding change. Their art is provocative and even confrontational, encouraging the audience to engage with the problems and contemplate their perspective. There has also been a surge of interest in street art and graffiti as legitimate forms of artwork lately. Street art originated as an instrument of political protest during the counter-culture movement.

However, it has become more mainstream in recent years, with many emerging artists gaining recognition for their work in this genre. Street art provides artists with a distinctive opportunity for interacting with the public and create work that is accessible to everyone. It also disrupts the art world’s conventional confines by operating beyond the exhibition environment. Yet another emerging movement in the art world is the emphasis on sustainability and eco-art. Many emerging artists develop art that is both aesthetically appealing and environmentally conscious. The traditional art world, which has been condemned for its consumerism and contempt for the environment, is being challenged by the contemporary movement. Eco-art is more than just making art out of recycled materials; it is also about using art to raise awareness about environmental challenges and encourage reform.

Interestingly, the increasing trend of artists exploring their own identity and personal narratives in their artwork. Many emerging artists are exploring their heritage, culture, and identity and how it relates to their artwork. This trend has resulted in the creation of art that is more personal and authentic, often resonating with audiences on a deeper level. It is also a way for artists to reclaim their narratives and challenge the dominant cultural narratives. Moreover, the impact of globalization on emerging art also emerges as a key shift witnessed in the contemporary creative sphere. With the world becoming increasingly interconnected, emerging artists are being exposed to different cultures and perspectives, which is reflected in their artwork. The cross-cultural exchange of ideas and perspectives has resulted in a more diverse and inclusive art world, with artists incorporating various cultural components into their work. This trend has also led to the creation of hybrid art forms incorporating diverse cultural influences and methodologies.

Additionally, emerging artwork markets in Asia and the Middle East have also had a big impact on the art world. These novel avenues have enabled aspiring artists to showcase their work to a larger demographic and achieve worldwide recognition. The expansion of these new markets is also undermining the Western art world’s routine dominance, which has long been seen as the epicentre of the art industry. Such a market expansion of the art industry is largely beneficial for aspiring and emerging artists that are keen on pushing the boundaries around the artistic industry. Interestingly, the popularity of social networking sites and internet platforms has aided in the democratisation of the art industry, which has had an instrumental impact on contemporary art. Emerging artists are no longer reliant on conventional gatekeepers such as galleries and art entities for showcasing their work. They can instead reach a broader demographic through internet platforms and social media, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive creative world. For the tech-savvy ecosystem we’re living in, it is encouraging to witness emerging artists leverage the possibilities of the internet to boost their artistic endeavours.

The emerging art world is constantly evolving, with new trends and movements emerging every day. From the incorporation of technology to exploring personal narratives, emerging artists are pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms. The traditional art world has had to adapt and evolve to keep up with the rapidly evolving times, with contemporary artists challenging conventional norms and pushing boundaries. As a result, the art world is increasingly becoming more diverse and inclusive, with prominent galleries and art institutions encouraging young artists and their unconventional approaches to art. The burgeoning art scene has also motivated veteran artists to explore novel approaches and ideas, fostering a more dynamic and imaginative art world.

The impact of globalization and the democratization of the art industry has also resulted in a more diverse and inclusive art world, with artists from different cultures and backgrounds coming together to create innovative and meaningful art. The traditional art world has had to adapt and evolve to keep up with the changing times, resulting in a more dynamic and innovative art world. It will be interesting to see how emerging art continues to evolve and impact the creative sphere in the coming years.

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The Truly Flavour Face-Off aims to celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and the power of flavour. The art battle will feature two teams of two artists, including renowned names such as Curtia Wright, a multi-disciplinary fine art artist and muralist from Scarborough; Andre Kan, a Toronto-based painter with an extensive mural portfolio spanning Canada, the U.S., and various international locations; Katrina Canedo, a Filipino-Canadian live painter, and muralist; and Rei “M E D Ē I O” Misiri, an Albanian-born calligraphy artist based in Toronto. These talented individuals will have just 90 minutes to collaboratively create masterpieces meant to inspire others to express their unique flavours worldwide.

The event is part of Truly’s Make Space Project, an initiative committed to finding, funding, and creating opportunities for Canadian creatives to showcase their work. Truly’s research revealed that only one in three Canadian creatives are optimistic about their future, and 68% of them find it challenging to find spaces to exhibit their creations.

Julia Glynn, senior brand manager at Moosehead Breweries, partner RTD, expressed Truly’s belief in making space for new and underrepresented voices. “The Truly Flavour Face Off is an integral part of that mission,” Glynn said. “It will also be an epic celebration of artistry—and of flavor. As a brand that stands for flavor, the Truly Make Space Project is about empowering incredible artists to express a flavor of their very own.”

Patrice Pollack, ECD at Momentum Canada, added, “Creating the art battle experience for Truly was such an awesome collaboration and a great example of how the brand is celebrating inclusivity, creativity, and the power of flavor.”

The Truly Colours paint, used by the artists in the Flavour Face Off, was developed in partnership with the Toronto Ink Company. It is a limited-edition line of acrylic paints made from natural pigments found in Truly’s flavours, such as berries, cherries, pineapples, and mangoes. These vibrant, natural paints were created through a process of boiling, freeze-drying, liquifying, and distilling the fruits.

Tickets to the Truly Flavour Face-Off are now available, allowing Torontonians the opportunity to witness the creative process unfold on stage. The event will also feature interactive installations, incredible music, and a Truly bar serving unique flavours of Truly Hard Seltzer that are not typically available in Ontario. Kevin Collins, CEO of Secret Walls, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We share the collective belief that by creating spaces and opportunities for artists to thrive, we can contribute to a more vibrant, positive, and inclusive experience for all.”

Furthermore, up to 80 sets of Truly Colours paint, along with a monetary donation, will be provided to support up-and-coming artists through the Vancouver Visual Arts Foundation. This Vancouver-based nonprofit’s mission is to unite people of diverse backgrounds and cultures through the power of art, creating advantageous opportunities for aspiring artists.

The Truly Flavour Face-Off will take place on June 22nd, from 7 to 11 p.m., at 1153 Queen Street West, Toronto.

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