Hands-On Creativity for Children

Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children presents Bait Al Khazaf, a dedicated space for pottery and ceramics. Designed to inspire young artists, the workshops include pottery-making, painting, and performing arts. Children can shape clay on a wheel, decorate candles, and design costumes while learning from theatre experts. The Centre for Musical Arts leads music sessions, and families can participate in a collaborative mural.

Ceramic Art Exhibition

Curated by Kamal Al Zoubi, Head of the Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, Bait Al Khazaf features works by 55 Emirati and UAE-based ceramicists. Highlights include:

• Communication and Connection by Emirati artist Shamsa Juma, reflecting her search for perfection.
• Ibahar (Sailing) by Abdulla Al Hammadi, inspired by pearl diving.
• Calligraphy Mural by Pakistani artist Adeel Umar.
• Cultural Diffusion by Australian artist Alex Rawson, exploring cross-cultural exchange.
• Oryx the Survivor by Sudanese artist Amani Badur, symbolizing resilience.

The People of Determination Exhibition showcases inspiring works by artists with disabilities, highlighting their creativity and perseverance.

Literature and Visual Arts

Dubai Public Library’s School of Life initiative offers workshops such as:

• Ruq’ah Calligraphy by Mohammed Al Tamimi.
• Doors and Wooden Carvings by Dr Saeed Abdullah Al Wail, exploring Emirati craftsmanship.
• Sikka Folktales by Magdy ElKafrawy, bringing local stories to life on canvas.

Theatre and Folktales

The World Stage Design House (House 203) hosts theatre workshops, including:

• Puppet Workshop by Jacqui George, where children create shadow puppets.
• Lighting Workshop by Youmna Aboelella, teaching stage lighting techniques.
• Costume Design by Salma Lakharouti, using recycled materials.

At Masterpieces House – House of Folklore Tales (House 355), students from the Ministry of Education’s 2024 summer camp present artworks inspired by Kharareef (local folktales), blending tradition with modern creativity.

Festival Partners

The Sikka Art & Design Festival is organized in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development.

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Application Process and Deadline

Dubai Culture invites all Emirati and UAE & GCC-based artists, creatives and designers to participate in the festival with their diverse works in visual arts, painting, sculpture, photography, design, murals, multimedia, culinary art and more. The festival will also feature interactive workshops, musical and cinematic performances, talks and panel discussions that enrich the local cultural movement and support the global art sector’s trends.

Submission Guidelines and Requirements

Dubai Culture will begin accepting applications on 8 August, with the deadline set for 8 October. A committee of experts and artists will then review the submissions and select the works eligible for the festival under the Sikka Platform. The open call invites established and emerging artists in the UAE and GCC, whether individually or in groups. Participants must present unique ideas that reflect their perspectives and the richness of the local art scene, use environmentally friendly materials, and ensure that their works are original, recent, and not previously displayed at other festivals or events. Creatives interested in participating can find all details and access the application form on the Authority’s website.

Through the Sikka Art & Design Festival, Dubai Culture not only aims to provide an innovative platform that brings together various types of arts but also celebrates both leading and emerging talent, including young artists from or residing in the UAE and the GCC. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s cultural vision to make the emirate a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.

Previous Festival Success and Participation

The 12^th edition of the festival successfully attracted over 162,000 visitors who viewed the collection of works that adorned the houses of Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. Visitors engaged with the artistic and entertainment performances, workshops, and discussion sessions held throughout the 10-day festival. The event also saw the participation of over 500 Emirati and UAE & GCC-based artists who showcased around 300 different artworks in multiple forms across 14 houses.

To be part of the 13^th Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025, visit https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/events/Sikka-25-Open-Call 

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