Artists participating in the annual Sikka art event expressed their delight yesterday at the news that the fair will be extended for another two weeks.
The event, which started on March 15, features over 50 UAE-based artists from 25 countries, was such as success that organisers Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) decided to keep it running until the end of Dubai Art Season on April 15.
Elise Vazelakis, whose work The Gamcha Project, is currently showing in Showcase Galleryhas a few pieces from the series in House 31 in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where Sikka is being held. She says: "I think it is terrific that Sikka is extending the art fair. The last 10 days was filled with so many activities that it was hard for everyone to see everything. This will be a wonderful opportunity for those that couldn't get to Al Fahidi during the art fair to check out an extraordinary variety of work from local artists."
Liz Ramos-Prado, whose illustrative work A Day, focuses on those solitary moments during any normal day also says she is very happy about the extension. “It is great. There are many people who have been really busy and concentrating on other art events and didn’t make it to Sikka, so now they all have a chance to see it.”
Wemmy De Maaker, who runs the Mawaheb art centre for adults with special needs inside the Al Fahidi neighbourhood says it will have a positive effect on all the permanent residents.
“It is really important to us because Sikka fair brings a lot of awareness to Mawaheb and many people come to visit. This kind of event is exactly what we need in this area. It is a beautiful area and a cultural hub and it is fun for our students to meet a lot of people and show who they are.”
The decision to extend the fair was made under the direction of Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dubai Culture as it has seen robust interest from the community, recording over 15,000 visitors in just 10 days.
It will now run until the end of Dubai Art Season, the umbrella initiative that encompasses many different cultural activities that take place between March and April.
Sheikha Latifa said: “Promoting the arts and culture scene is one of the pillars of Dubai’s strategic vision. With Dubai Art Season, we are highlighting the creative potential of our city and its ability to bring together artists from around the world to promote intercultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas. The various activities under Dubai Art Season have catalysed the Emirate’s cultural scene, and enabled our artists to showcase their talents to a global audience.”
* For more info on Dubai Culture visit: www.dubaiculture.ae