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