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DUBAI / GULF TIME
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) presented a diverse selection of workshops and talks at the 13th Sikka Art & Design Festival, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture.
The festival, that took place at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, aimed to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem that empowers talent, helping them refine their skills across artistic disciplines while strengthening Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.
Under the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy,’ the festival featured over 450 workshops and talks covering arts, design, architecture, visual storytelling, and traditional crafts. This aligns with Dubai Culture’s commitment to enriching the city’s cultural landscape and inspiring festivalgoers to explore their creative side. A distinguished group of experts and artists led these sessions, ensuring participants gain valuable training and experience. Throughout the event, the houses and pavilions of Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, were expected to be transformed into a vibrant hub.
‘Emerging City’ hosted the ‘Gypsum Art’ workshop, which explored gypsum carving techniques, while the ‘Traditional Jewellery House’ offers the
‘Jewellery Making: Marriyah (Necklace)’ workshop, providing hands-on experience in crafting traditional ornaments. At the ‘People and Faith House,’ visitors could engage in the ‘Henna Stencil’ and ‘Prayer Bead Crafting’ classes, while the ‘Traditional Crafts House’ presents ‘Spindle,’ showcased hand-weaving with traditional tools.
The festival was organised in partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development.
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. Highlights include ‘Creative Minds: Art Therapy for Young Explorers’ by Cali’s Escape, where art therapist Caline Boghos blends therapeutic practices with imaginative play, helping children express their feelings in a safe space and create personalised artworks.