This historical neighbourhood in Dubai is going to get colourful in March

So much art to see in March…

Sikka Art Festival, now called Sikka Art and Design Festival is returning this year for its 10th edition from Tuesday, March 15 to 24 at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. It will be open daily from 6pm to 11pm on weekdays, 2pm to 12am on Saturday and 2pm to 11pm on Sunday.

It’s safe to say the art and culture scene in Dubai is thriving thanks to the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. In March, the art scene in Dubai truly blossoms with several events including Art Dubai, Art Dubai Week, World Art Dubai, Al Serkal Art Week and much more.

So, what can you expect at the art festival?

Art from local and regional artists

This year, Sikka Art and Design Festival is held under the theme ‘Celebrating Art, Celebrating Growth’. An apt theme as the festival supports emerging creatives providing a launchpad for them to become professionals.

To celebrate its 10th year, visitors will be able to see art that portrays the festival’s journey over the past decade.

At Khaleeji House by the Khaleeji Art Museum, see the works of five GCC artists curated by award-winning Emirati artist and curator, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi.

Do visit the alleyways of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood as they will be transformed into an open art museum. They look pretty Instagrammable when the sun goes down.

Art installations

Three artists who have grown over the past decade due to the festival were commissioned to create a unique art installation using existing sidr trees in Al Fahidi. The sidr tree was picked as it was the inspiration for the festival’s new visual identity.

For something more interactive, artist Jack B. Du has created an installation at ‘Design and New Media House’ which will reflect the image of any person or object that’s in front of it.

There’s also an interactive space that recreates a traditional Emirati household Swalef By Modu by Emirati designer Omar Al Gurg

Around the space, there are also unique installations created by artists, including Lebanese Karim Tamerji and Emirati Sarah Ahli and murals by UAE and GCC-based artists including Saggaf Alhashemi, Gary Yong, Perry El-Ashmawi and Bahrain-based artist Huvil.

NFTs will also make an appearance

Interested in NFTs? The festival will feature an exhibition titled ‘NFT Space’, curated by Giuseppe Moscatello, co-founder of Foundry Downtown.

Workshops, film, music and food

If you’re feeling inspired, get creative yourself at the festival’s workshops on visual arts, design and new media – all curated by Art Dubai led by professionals.

At the courtyard, there will be a line-up of film screenings by the Locomotion Community Cinema with three days dedicated to home-grown talent from universities and independent filmmakers.

There will also be live music and authentic home-grown food concepts where you can indulge.

To stay up to date with announcements follow @sikkaplatform

Images: Emirates News Agency (WAM), Dubai Media Office, Sikka Platform Instagram and Getty Images