SIKKA announces programme for second edition

SIKKA 2012, the contemporary art fair by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has unveiled the details of its extensive programme, to be held from March 15 to 25, 2012, running concurrently with Art Week, Dubai’s premier umbrella arts initiative. 

SIKKA is a carefully selected presentation of forward-thinking artists, setting a definitive platform for emerging Emirati and UAE-based artists to showcase their works. A homegrown fair that is offbeat and open to all, SIKKA aims to promote new and original content, which will take the centrestage at Al Bastakiya, the cultural nerve-centre of Dubai. 

Bringing a local and international focus to Dubai’s dynamic art scene, SIKKA in its second edition has a richer and more extensive programme, highlighting several art perspectives that reflect the shifts in perception on the arts industry in the city and the region. 

SIKKA has partnered with numerous arts organisations to engage the minds of the viewers and visitors, through the educational, interactive, and talks programme, in addition to live entertainment and film screenings. 

SIKKA’s Educational Programme encompasses of ‘Family Days,’ which take place on weekends, and offer a wide range of art and music classes that cater to children ranging from preschool to adolescents; while during weekdays, student visits are scheduled and specially tailored for secondary, high school, and university students, inviting them to engage critically and creatively with a selection of artworks showcased at SIKKA. 

‘SIKKA Engage,’ is a unique programme specifically designed to drive community participation through live art, interactive walks, and curated food gatherings hosted by artists. 

An exciting line up of locally based musicians, performers, filmmakers and poets will take the stage this year as part of ‘SIKKA After Dark.’ Many of these participants have created original work and ventured into new collaborations. ‘SIKKA After Dark’ will feature live music, the spoken word, experimental theatre, film screenings and performances that will pervade throughout the courtyards and alleyways of Al Bastakiya. 

Salem Belyouha, Projects & Events Director, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “SIKKA 2012, which builds on the success of the first edition last year, has a distinctive identity in the arts scene of the Gulf region. Our primary focus is to create a unique programming that will benefit every visitor and participant. 

“The rich and varied showcase of programmes has been carefully curated to create an integrated arts experience covering art appreciation and education. While the event elevates the participating Emirati and local artists to the professional scene, we also want our visitors to take inspiration and strengthen their knowledge base in the arts. Our objective is to encourage the talented artists in Dubai to venture into the arts field and eventually evolve as arts professionals.” 

‘SIKKA Dialogue,’ comprises various panel discussions and workshops. A unique insight on the process of being an artist, chaired by Sultan Bin Sooud Al Qassemi, will offer young and upcoming artists an understanding into the practical side of the art world, as well as professional development and networking opportunities. 

There will also be discussions on contemporary art and architectural practices in Dubai, a session on informal art education in the UAE, in addition to an intimate panel led by Aaron Cesar from the Delfina Foundation, with this year’s international and Emirati resident artists from the Artist-in-Residence (A.i.R) Dubai programme, an initiative by Dubai Culture. 

A series of workshops focused on career development for young and upcoming artists and writers ranging from têtes-à-têtes with artist Deniz Uster and curator Alexandra MacGlip from the Artist-in-Residence programme; to writing about art sessions that cover art and critical review writing in Arabic, followed by a critical walkthrough of the fair with Rasha Maleh and Samer Abou Hawwach.