The SIKKA Art Fair is an annual event created by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority in 2011 as a commissioned art exhibition to showcase emerging artists from the United Arab Emirates.[1] Originally focused on visual arts only but later widened its scope to cover film screenings, music, talks and workshops. Sikka takes place in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (al Bastakiya), The Arabic word sikka means alleyway.[2]
In its tenth iteration in 2022, Sikka expanded its scope to encompass a broader array of multidisciplinary practices, compared to its predecessors. This edition places a significant emphasis on design-oriented initiatives and technology-driven artworks. Moreover, Sikka introduced more immersive installations that combine multimedia elements, including video and photography, with research-based projects.
2012: Hosted between March 15–25, the 24 finalists artists were selected by a committee chaired by Ebtisam Abdulaziz, Rami Farook, Khalid Al Najjar, together with Antonia Carver, Fair Director, Art Dubai, and Salem Belyouha.[4]
2013 : The third edition held between March 14 to March 24.[5]
2014 : Co-curated by Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, Founder and Director of FN Designs, Japanese architect Kayoko Iemura, and assisted co curated by Yusaka Imamura.[6] The exhibition was held between 14–24 March which later extended to 14 April 2014.[7]
