Dubai Culture invites UAE talent to showcase their creativity at 5th edition of SIKKA Art Fair in March 2015

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirates dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, has invited submissions from UAE-based artists and collectives working in visual arts, performing arts, music and film for the fifth edition of its flagship arts and cultural initiative, the SIKKA Art Fair in March 2015.

An integral component of the Dubai Art Season, SIKKA is a contemporary art fair that highlights the creativity of UAE talents in addition to providing them the platform to gain new insights into art through workshops and the exchange of ideas with international artists.

Held at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the heart of Old Dubai and an inspiring hub for creativity, as well as other locations in the city, SIKKA Art Fair showcases a diverse range of community-oriented arts and cultural activities. Evolving steadily over the past four years, SIKKA has welcomed thousands of art enthusiasts offering them unprecedented cultural experiences.

In addition, SIKKA has created a platform for talented artists to collaborate for creating an Open Air Museum for the city. Dubai Culture continues to extend its support to the artistic initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

One of the eagerly awaited arts events in the region, SIKKA has also served as a significant platform for artists to further strengthen their creative careers through networking with international artists, galleries and patrons of the arts.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority said: SIKKA marks a significant milestone in its new edition serving as the definitive platform for emerging, local talent to showcase their artistic work. A community event that encourages budding artists, painters, sculptors and musicians to contribute to the burgeoning arts scene in Dubai, SIKKA fosters the exchange of creative ideas among artists, inspires new talent and boosts Dubais position as a cultural hub in the region.

With each passing year, we have observed a tremendous improvement in the all-round quality of works showcased highlighting the creative excellence of our countrys talent. SIKKA has also expanded its creative sphere of influence to highlight talents in music, live performances and film. The fair now is one of the most comprehensive showcases of creativity and a must-attend event not only for the artist community but every culturally conscious visitor to gain vivid insights into the artistic landscape of the UAE, he added.

Submissions for SIKKA 2015 are open to Emirati and locally-based talent for creating new works for presentation at SIKKA 2015, which will feature a colourful commissioned programme of visual art projects, music, live performances, and video art, as well as multidisciplinary collectives engaged in community practices and participation.

Special events will include outdoor film screenings, live music and entertainment, cultural walks, artist-led talks, workshops and educational activities, as well as an open-studio exhibition by the Artists-in-Residence (AiR) Dubai.

Aspiring and established artists interested in producing original works, commissioned exclusively for SIKKA 2015, can download their applications and submit their proposals by visiting www.dubaiculture.ae. Dubai Culture will accept applications until January 15, 2015.

Since its inception, SIKKA Art Fair has evolved into one of the foremost platforms for the grassroots arts movement. The flagship event of Dubai Art Season, in its previous edition, SIKKA saw attendance from over 15,000 visitors. Marking a first in the events history, SIKKA 2014 was extended by an additional two weeks, giving visitors and residents the opportunity to revel in works by over 50 artists and participate in over 65 workshops. Dubai Culture also underscored its commitment to serving as a springboard for Emirati and UAE-based talent with the launch of SIKKA Score, an original soundtrack by 11 musicians.

Dubai Culture is committed to underscoring the Emirati artistic heritage of Dubai and its vibrant contemporary arts environment, while offering a conducive environment to nurture and strengthen artistic talent in the Emirate.