SIKKA 2012: Call for submissions for contemporary art fair

• Dubai Culture & Arts Authority calls for submissions for SIKKA 2012: An artist-led fair of commissioned work in the cultural nerve-centre of Dubai

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, is announcing the call for submissions for UAE artists and artist collectives, to create new site-specific work for presentation at SIKKA, the contemporary art fair that showcases Emirati and local talent.

SIKKA 2012, scheduled to be held from March 15 – 25, 2012, at the historic Al Bastakiya, following the success of its inaugural edition, has expanded its scope to feature an entirely commissioned programme of new work by Emirati and local artists, selected by a jury from an open call. The predominantly visual art showcase is specifically designed to promote the most compelling work being made across the UAE, and further aims to serve as launch pad and support network for artists by helping them to produce original artwork, connect with like-minded people, and interact with audiences from all walks of the art world.

Salem Belyouha, Projects & Events Director of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “SIKKA 2012 builds on the mandate of Dubai Culture to create grass root projects that promote original content creation in Dubai, by serving as an ideal springboard to showcase their skills. We are confident that in its second edition SIKKA will become the premier art event of the city, bringing together local and international talent, and fostering intercultural dialogue through art.”

Upcoming artists and artist collectives, working across the wide spectrum of visual art mediums, are invited to submit proposals for a house, courtyard or space in the atmospheric quarter of Al Bastakiya. Projects could range from video art to sculpture to installation, and even include performance or traditional media. Submissions will be accepted until February 10, 2012.

SIKKA 2012 will primarily but not solely focus on artist-led practices, initiative and discourse through a diversity of artistic talent and stance. The selected artists will have the opportunity to mould their own vision of an art ‘place’ while drawing new and diverse audiences to the heart of Dubai. A programme of exclusive events specially created for the fair or made public for the first time will include live music performances and research areas, interactive food gatherings and educational activities, as well as an open-studio exhibition from the Artists-in-Residence (A.i.R) Dubai, an international programme for artists and curators based in House 11, at Al Bastakiya.

SIKKA offers a unique moment in Dubai’s cultural calendar, introducing an alternative element to Art Week’s flow of artistic thought and endeavour.

Homegrown, offbeat, intimate, mellifluous, non-exclusive and open to all.

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