The DCAA was established in 2008 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE, as an institution to support the art and culture in Dubai, as well as preserve the emirate’s cultural heritage. The Authority runs a number of projects, including the SIKKA Art Fair for emerging artists.
The SIKKA Art Fair was launched in 2011. Its name is derived from the Arabic world sikka which means alleyway. This is quite symbolic because the event literally takes place in narrow alleyways of Dubai’s Al-Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The exhibition features works by UAE based artists, aiming to foster and promote Emirati art. It is an important platform for emerging creators where they can present their works to a wider audience.
SIKKA was originally conceived as a visual art exhibition focusing on painting, sculpture and photography. Since then, it has expanded its scope to include film and performing arts. SIKKA features film screenings, poetry readings, interactive installations, music performances, and all things creative. The fair also has a public program of workshops, talks, tours, and entertainment. Most events are free for everyone to attend.
The SIKKA Art Fair features works by artists of various nationalities, the only condition being that they be based in the UAE or GCC region. It encourages emerging artists to share their talent with a wide community while helping to foster Dubai’s art scene.
SIKKA is part of the wider Dubai Art Season which runs every spring and features events such as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Design Days Dubai, Art Dubai, the Middle East Film and Comic Con, World Art Dubai, and the Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition.
Photo: dubaiculture.gov.ae
