Dubai’s most vibrant celebration of art, culture, and community is back—and calling on creatives from across the region to step into the spotlight. The 14th edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival, organized by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will take place from 23 January to 1 February 2026 in the atmospheric Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, and the open call for artists and creators is now officially open.
Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, this annual cultural cornerstone is more than just a festival—it’s a multidisciplinary experience that fuses heritage and contemporary expression. With a track record of attracting over 160,000 visitors, 390 artworks, 460 workshops, and 105 live shows, Sikka has earned its place as a major pillar of Dubai’s growing reputation as a global creative capital.
An Invitation to All Forms of Creativity
Dubai Culture is inviting individual artists and collectives from the UAE and GCC to submit proposals across a wide range of disciplines:
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Visual Arts
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Design & New Media
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Photography & Public Art
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Installations & Ceramics
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Performing Arts & Urban Culture
But the open call isn’t limited to fine art alone. The festival is also seeking:
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Musicians and live performers
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Workshop leaders and panelists
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Food vendors and culinary artists
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Cultural and design retailers
This inclusive approach makes Sikka a holistic platform—where street culture meets heritage, and where experimental art sits side-by-side with traditional crafts and immersive experiences.
New Work Only: Authentic and Locally Rooted
All works submitted must be entirely new, never before produced or exhibited, and should reflect the diversity, identity, and perspective of the region’s creative community. A team of expert curators will evaluate submissions, ensuring a high-quality and thought-provoking programme for 2026.
Applications are open until 1 September 2025. To apply, visit the official link here: Dubai Culture Sikka Open Call
Why Sikka Matters
Beyond the sheer scale and impact of the previous edition—which showcased murals, installations, musical performances, and even art-inspired culinary creations—the festival plays a crucial role in the Quality of Life Strategy for Dubai. It supports emerging and established talent, boosts the local creative economy, and reaffirms Dubai as a place where culture is lived, not just displayed.
If you’re an artist, maker, performer, or cultural entrepreneur ready to make your mark, Sikka 2026 is the place to do it.
