Dubai Travel » Bastakiya

Dubai Culture Announces Sikka Art Fair At Al Bastakiya To Promote Emirati And Local Artists

Editor — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:11:15 +0000

In a first of its kind initiative aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is hosting the Sikka Art Fair from March 12 to 21, 2011, at Al Bastakiya, one of the vibrant centres of Dubai’s cultural activities and artistic heritage.

The Sikka Art Fair will feature artworks by upcoming Emirati and UAE-based artists, galleries, and institutions, and is open for the public.

Dr Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “Over the years, Emirati and local artists have created a rich artistic heritage in Dubai. With the Sikka Art Fair, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority is creating a robust new platform that showcases their creativity, thus opening doors for them to a wider audience.”

He added: “The choice of Al Bastakiya, the cornerstone of the city’s cultural and artistic fabric, as the venue for the event further underscores our commitment to highlight the rich artistic heritage of Dubai. The Sikka Art Fair will not only inspire our young artistic community but also set a new benchmark for Emirati artists. It will play a significant role in further driving the rich artistic infrastructure of Dubai by providing important community spaces that offer opportunities for Emirati and local artists.”

The Fair is aimed at fostering and promoting Emirati artistic content creation, and establishing a platform for these artists to present their works to a wider audience.

The Sikka Art Fair is being held in what is undisputedly the highest point in the art calendar of Dubai, as the city hosts initiatives like Art Dubai, where the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority presents the Global Art Forum_5, which brings together artists from around the world for active dialogue and interaction with the local community.

Bastakiya

Editor — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:40:43 +0000

This architectural heritage site is a complete restoration of one of Dubai’s original neighborhoods settled by wealthy Persian merchants in the late 1800s. The buildings are historic, but the pristine quarter looks brand-new. You can walk along meandering lanes, see traditional Gulf courtyard houses with hand-carved wood doors, and marvel at the ornate wind towers that were used for cooling in the days before air-conditioning.

The coral stone and cement wind towers, defined by double or triple wind openings, arched ends, and stepped recesses, once lined the Dubai Creek and cooled the residences using innovative air-current systems that passed from the wind towers to the floors below. Bastakiya also houses a museum, cultural center, restaurants, and a heritage hotel with an art gallery. The Al Fahidi Fort, which today is the Dubai Museum, was built in 1799 and is the city’s oldest surviving structure.

Best Moderate Hotels

Editor — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:33:46 +0000

• Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa
Al Fahidi Street in Deira. This distinctly Arabian-style hotel sits across from the Dubai museum and is an excellent base for exploring the city’s old quarter. (Phone: 4/351-9111; www.arabiancourtyard.com)

• Orient Guest House
Bastakiya. Situated in a restored Arabian villa in the historic Bastakiya neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers 24-hour butler service, promising guests personalized attention. This is a distinct alternative to the city’s predominantly high-rise hotels. (Phone: 4/351- 9111; www.orientguesthouse.com)

• Novotel
next to the World Trade Centre. You’ll discover one of the city’s best values at this Frenchchain hotel, a simple yet stylish choice conveniently located off Sheikh Zayed Road. (Phone: 4/318-7000; www.novotel.com)

• Towers Rotana Hotel
Sheikh Zayed Road. You shouldn’t expect luxury here, but you will find comfortable accommodations and friendly service in an excellent location on Sheikh Zayed Road. (Phone: 4/343- 8000; www.rotana.com)