logo
Arts, crafts, talks, workshops, music ruled at Sikka Art & Design Festival

Arts, crafts, talks, workshops, music ruled at Sikka Art & Design Festival

Gulf Today15-02-2025
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) hosted a diverse lineup of creative activities for visitors to the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival (Jan. 31 – Feb. 9). It was held under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. During the fest, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children presented 'Bait Al Khazaf', which celebrated the art of pottery, also providing workshops in ceramics, performing arts, painting, and design.
At the pottery-making workshop, children learnt to shape clay on a wheel and paint ceramics. Other sessions explored decorating candles, bags, and boxes with different materials. Theatre experts guided young participants in acting and stage performance, teaching the fundamentals of shadow theatre and costume design. The calendar included music programmes led by the Centre for Musical Arts and a collaborative mural, in which families could take part. 'Bait Al Khazaf' was curated by artist Kamal Al Zoubi, Head of Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children; the event also featured works by 55 Emirati and UAE-based ceramicists. Highlights included 'Communication and Connection' by Emirati artist Shamsa Juma, representing her journey in search of perfection. Emirati artist Abdulla Al Hammadi presented 'Ibahar' (Sailing), inspired by pearl diving voyages, and 'Shira'a' (Sail), which blended the form of a sail and that of a fish.
The collection also included 'Untitled' by Egyptian artist Abeer Essa Adam, which examined the interplay between mass and space. Pakistani artist Adeel Umar showcased 'Calligraphy Mural' and Australian artist Alex Rawson's 'Cultural Diffusion' reflected on the exchange of ideas, traditions and beliefs among societies. Emirati artist Amal Thani displayed her collection 'Pink', and Sudanese artist Amani Badur unveiled 'Oryx the Survivor', symbolising strength and overcoming life's challenges. Lebanese artist Cybelle Moutran contributed 'Fragments of Time', while 'Silent Waves' by Dina Alhallaq invited contemplation of nature's quiet beauty and strength.
'Bait Al Khazaf' also included the 'People of Determination Exhibition' which celebrated the artistic creations of a group of inspiring individuals whose works narrated unique stories, serving as a testament to their endurance. Dubai Public Library, through its 'School of Life' initiative, offered festival goers specialised workshops in literature and visual arts. It included 'Ordering Food at a Restaurant', which introduced essential phrases commonly used in local restaurants and cafés.
Meanwhile, calligraphy artist Mohammed Al Tamimi led a 'Ruq'ah Calligraphy' workshop and Dr. Saeed Abdullah Al Wael conducted 'Doors and Wooden Carvings', where individuals explored traditional wooden door carving and how this reflected Emirati heritage. Ola Allouz guided visitors in 'Sikka Art & Design Festival: The Best Moments', focusing on photography and turning everyday moments into artistic shots. 'Sikka Folktales' by artist Magdy ElKafrawy brought storytelling to life on a canvas inspired by the UAE's cultural heritage.
'World Stage Design House' (House 203) by the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy hosted a series of specialised theatre workshops aimed at enhancing children's performing arts skills. It included Jacqui George's 'Puppet Workshop', where young visitors learned to create shadow puppets made using recycled materials creatively. Youmna (Eve) Aboelella conducted the 'Lighting Workshop', teaching aspiring creatives how to use light and colours in theatrical storytelling, while Salma Lakharouti trained them in costume design, using recycled materials.
'Masterpieces House – House of Folklore Tales' (House 355) displayed the projects of students who participated in a summer camp organised by the Ministry of Education in July 2024. Their art was inspired by 'Kharareef' (local folktales), blending mythical elements with contemporary expression through visual arts, music, creative writing, cinema, and photography. The festival featured over 450 workshops and talks covering arts, design, architecture, visual storytelling and traditional crafts. 'Emerging City' hosted the 'Gypsum Art' workshop, which explored gypsum carving techniques, while the 'Traditional Jewellery House' offered the 'Jewellery Making: Marriyah (Necklace)' workshop, providing hands-on experience in crafting traditional ornaments.
At the 'People and Faith House', visitors engaged in the 'Henna Stencil' and 'Prayer Bead Crafting' classes, while the 'Traditional Crafts House' presented 'Spindle', showcasing hand-weaving with traditional tools. Creativity took centre stage at House 355 – Masterpieces, where the 'Graffiti Art: Express Yourself with Spray Paint' workshop taught graffiti fundamentals under a professional artist's guidance. 'House 341 – Reality House' offered 'Doodles & AI', allowing participants to transform simple doodles into pieces of art, using generative artificial intelligence. The 'Glitch Art' session allowed participants to explore techniques inspired by digital distortions, unlocking new creative dimensions in digital art.
Experts from 'Sxill Lab' led workshops at House 314, including 'Handmade Tile Making' and 'Cheese Board Design'. Meanwhile, the Sikka Platform at House 326 offered a range of sustainability and innovation-themed classes, notably 'Sustainability Now: Eco-Friendly Solutions' and 'Perfume Making for Adults'. House 15 hosted modern printing sessions with Tashkeel, teaching visitors 'Hand Printing on Bags' and 'Riso Printing'. At House 196 – Urban House by The Workshop DXB, singer Shilpa Ananth presented 'Unlocking Authenticity: The Psychology of Songwriting', exploring the emotional and experiential influences on songwriting, and helping participants refine their music composition skills.
The festival also featured a series of talks at the talent development houses and at the 'Sikka Speaks' corner, featuring some of the most prominent creatives in the sector discussing global trends. Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari led 'Artistic Intervention in Satwa: Tracing Urban Nostalgia', while Sophie Mayuko moderated 'Go Global! International Opportunities & Strategies for Dubai-based Artists (Where to Start)', featuring Sanaz Askari, Giuseppe Moscatello, and Behrang Samadzadkan.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Digital Dubai Introduces All Members of First Emirati Virtual Family
Digital Dubai Introduces All Members of First Emirati Virtual Family

Hi Dubai

time14 minutes ago

  • Hi Dubai

Digital Dubai Introduces All Members of First Emirati Virtual Family

Digital Dubai has unveiled 'Latifa,' the first Emirati virtual character, following an interactive public vote that drew nearly 14,000 participants. Latifa secured 43% of the votes, ahead of Mira with 37% and Dubai with 20%. The initiative reflects strong community engagement and marks the debut of the first AI-generated Emirati virtual family. In a video shared on social media, Latifa introduced her father Mohammed, mother Salama, and brother Rashid. Designed to embody Emirati values, the virtual family aims to serve as digital ambassadors, helping the public connect with Dubai's digital transformation in a simple and relatable way. They will share storytelling content that promotes technology, safe digital practices, and awareness of government services. Digital Dubai confirmed that the project is part of the 'Year of Community' initiatives launched to strengthen participation and constructive engagement. In the next phase, the family will receive integrated communication identities, with tailored content created for different age groups and community segments. Latifa and her family will soon appear regularly across social media, bringing Dubai's digital initiatives closer to residents and visitors through engaging, educational, and entertaining formats. News Source: Emirates News Agency

Meet the UAE's first virtual family: ‘Latifa' tops community vote
Meet the UAE's first virtual family: ‘Latifa' tops community vote

Arabian Business

time12 hours ago

  • Arabian Business

Meet the UAE's first virtual family: ‘Latifa' tops community vote

Digital Dubai has revealed the UAE's first Emirati virtual family, following an interactive community initiative that attracted nearly 14,000 participants. The campaign invited the public to vote for the name of the first Emirati virtual character, with 'Latifa' securing 43 per cent of the votes, ahead of 'Mira' (37 per cent) and 'Dubai' (20 per cent). Building on this strong public engagement, Digital Dubai introduced Latifa and her AI-generated family in a short video shared on social media. The digital family includes Latifa's father Mohammed, mother Salama, and brother Rashid. Dubai Digital launches AI-powered UAE family Designed to embody Emirati values, the virtual family acts as a set of 'digital ambassadors,' connecting with diverse audiences in multiple languages. Their role is to help raise awareness about Dubai's digital government services in a simple, engaging, and relatable way. The initiative is part of the 'Year of the Community', declared by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to encourage participation and strengthen ties with community members. Latifa 🥇✨ — Digital Dubai دبي الرقمية (@DigitalDubai) August 18, 2025 Through storytelling and creative content, the family will highlight aspects of digital life in Dubai, promote safe and responsible online behaviour, and foster a culture of technology adoption. In the next phase, Digital Dubai will develop integrated communication identities for each family member, rolling out storytelling and awareness content tailored to different age groups and community segments. Latifa and her family will feature across social media platforms, making digital services more accessible through entertaining and educational formats.

Digital Dubai unveils all member of the first Emirati virtual family
Digital Dubai unveils all member of the first Emirati virtual family

Zawya

time13 hours ago

  • Zawya

Digital Dubai unveils all member of the first Emirati virtual family

Dubai: Digital Dubai extended appreciation to community members for their enthusiastic participation in its recent interactive initiative to choose the name for the first Emirati virtual character. Nearly 14,000 people took part in the vote, which concluded with 'Latifa' receiving 43% of the votes, followed by 'Mira' with 37% and 'Dubai' with 20%. Building on this strong community engagement, Digital Dubai unveiled the members of the AI-generated Emirati virtual family. In a short video released on social media, the character Latifa introduced herself and presented her family, which includes her father 'Mohammed', her mother 'Salama', and her brother 'Rashid'. This family marks the first Emirati digital model inspired by Emirati values, designed to connect with diverse community segments and languages, while supporting Digital Dubai's efforts to create innovative media tools that foster smart communication and raise awareness of digital government services in a simple, engaging manner. This step is part of a series of initiatives launched by Digital Dubai under the 'Year of the Community' announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to strengthen the concept of participation and constructive engagement with community members. The new virtual family envisioned as a set of 'digital ambassadors,' sharing storytelling content that reflects digital life in Dubai, promotes a culture of technology in ways that resonate with everyday life, and reinforces digital transformation concepts in a simple, relatable, and engaging manner. In the next phase, Digital Dubai will focus on developing integrated communication identities for the virtual family members, delivering a series of storytelling and awareness content targeting different age groups and community segments. These efforts aim to make digital services more accessible through entertaining and educational formats. Latifa and her family will soon appear across social media platforms to highlight Digital Dubai's initiatives and promote safe, responsible behavior in the digital space.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store