Sikka Art and Design Festival

The latest edition of what is being presented as one of Dubai Culture’s flagship initiatives is back in Al Shindagha Historic District. We’re not sure exactly what you’ll get this year – the website wasn’t working when last we tried it, though you may have better luck; there seems to be no overall directory/guide available; and the Instagram feed is busy but somewhat incoherent.

Still, we’re promised “a rich agenda filled with exhibitions, programmes, activities, live performances, visual arts, unique culinary experiences and beyond … a celebration of art which focuses on supporting and showcasing the works of Emirati, UAE and GCC-based artists”.

We do know that something over 40 public art pieces and installations will be displayed across 19 houses and en plein air around Al Shindagha. The festival programme has more than 450 workshops, talks and panel discussions, over 100 live performances, 13 theatrical shows, and six orchestral performances (among them performances by the Firdaus Orchestra, the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Dubai City Sound ensemble).

The last Sikka Art and Design Festival apparently attracted nearly 162,000 visitors. “This year’s edition promises to raise the bar even higher,” opines the press release. It must be worth checking out …