The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the selection committee for the forthcoming edition of Sikka, the artist-led fair of commissioned work from UAE talent, set to take place next month.

The selection committee is chaired by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and comprises established Emirati creative influencers including artist Ebtisam Abdulaziz, curator and publisher Rami Farook, and architect Khalid Al Najjar, together with Antonia Carver, fair director, Art Dubai and Salem Belyouha, projects & events director, Dubai Culture.

The event will be held from March 15 to 25, at the historic Al Bastakiya, a statement from Dubai Culture said.

“Sikka’s commissioning programme is focused predominantly on a visual art showcase however we have appointed a cross-disciplinary committee due to the distinct advantages such interaction holds. These include intellectual dynamism that will reflect positively in the curatorial stance; the ability to tackle technical barriers and creative challenges; and a broader perspective offered to participating artists,” Belyouha said.

The selection committee will not only evaluate work to be commissioned and showcased at Sikka, but also lend their knowledge and expertise to the shortlisted artists through special mentoring and critique development sessions taking place during the fair.

“All members are deeply rooted in the local community and are committed to reviving and re-shaping the UAE’s cultural scene through their role or practice,” Belyouha added.

The selection committee will meet to single out the winning proposals from the call for submissions. Announcements of participating artists will be made shortly after, the statement said. – TradeArabia News Service