The Festival has had a new visual identity with each edition, emphasizing different aspects of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood’s ethos. From Al Fahidi sky in 2016 to connecting Al Fahidi houses with colorful roller coaster themes in 2017, Al Fahidi birds in 2018, and Al Fahidi House windows in 2019, the visual identities have changed throughout time. The Al Fahidi Sidr tree is being honored this year at the Festival.
Every year, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority hosts the Sikka Art and Design Festival, which focuses on the elements that establish a visual identity. Many artists use the Festival as a springboard to extend their wings and push their work to new heights. The Sikka artists have always been a vital part of the festival’s success.
The design of the Festival’s entrance, which was created by Lebanese architect Karim Tamerji, a Dubai cultural visa holder, exemplifies this philosophy. Three female artists were commissioned to create Sidr Sikka Art Installations using Sidr trees located in Al Fahidi, bringing the concept to life. Shereen Shalhoub of Jordan, Evgenia Silvina of Russia, and Paola Lopez of Mexico are the painters.
Dubai Culture hopes to introduce the work of Emirati and UAE and GCC-based artists through the Sikka Arts and Design Festival and to stimulate great artistic innovation in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere based on engagement and constructive contact with the artistic community. The Festival also sheds light on the ancient cultural heritage of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and stimulates cultural tourism in the emirate, in line with the ‘Dubai Destinations – Dubai Art Season’ campaign, which was launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.