Dubai Culture Invites Creatives to Apply for Sikka 2027

Dubai Culture is preparing for Sikka 2027, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, in January 2027 at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This fifteenth edition marks a significant milestone in the festival's evolution from a platform for creative expression to an established cultural event that supports emerging talent and established practitioners across multiple disciplines. The 2027 theme, 'The Return', centres on reconnecting with roots, traditions, and identity whilst revitalising places through memory, people, and cultural exchange—a concept reinforced by Sikka's symbolic return to its original home in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, reaffirming its cultural foundation and position as a leading platform for creative and community dialogue. In support of Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai Culture invites creatives, artists, designers, photographers, performers, culinary professionals, and retailers of creative and cultural products to submit proposals for Sikka 2027. The festival encompasses visual arts, drawing, sculpture, photography, design, murals, multimedia, culinary arts, interactive workshops, musical performances, and talks. Applications will close on 11 September and must demonstrate artistic quality, conceptual originality, and uniqueness, with works that are original and recent, align with the festival's theme, reflect the applicant's creative vision, and contribute to the diversity of artistic practice presented. A curatorial team and selection committee will review all submissions to determine participation.