ArtDayMe: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has announced the opening of applications for Sikka 2027, the latest edition of its flagship annual arts and culture festival, set to take place in January 2027 at the Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Sikka 2027 marks a significant milestone as the festival celebrates 15 years since its inception. Over the years, Sikka has evolved from a grassroots creative platform into one of the region’s leading cultural festivals, supporting emerging talent and showcasing multidisciplinary artistic expression across the UAE and beyond.

 

The 2027 edition carries the theme “The Return”, which reflects ideas of revisiting roots, traditions, and identity while reactivating historic spaces through memory, community engagement, and cultural exchange. The theme is further underscored by Sikka’s symbolic return to its original home in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, reinforcing its deep connection to Dubai’s cultural heritage and urban identity.

 

Organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the festival invites creatives, artists, designers, photographers, performers, culinary professionals, and cultural retailers to submit original proposals for participation. Selected works will contribute to a diverse programme spanning visual arts, sculpture, photography, design, murals, multimedia installations, culinary arts, workshops, live performances, talks, and interactive experiences.

Applicants are required to submit recent and original work aligned with the festival theme, demonstrating artistic quality, conceptual strength, and innovation. Submissions will be reviewed by a dedicated curatorial team and selection committee, which will evaluate proposals based on their creative merit and contribution to the festival’s artistic diversity.

Through this open call, Dubai Culture continues to strengthen Dubai’s creative ecosystem in line with the emirate’s broader Quality of Life Strategy, fostering cultural participation and enabling artists to shape evolving narratives within the city’s historic districts.