ARTISTIC EXPLORATIONS

Dubai’s art season is well and truly here with the arrival of Sikka Art Fair, which makes for a great excuse to hit up the historical Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, which is where the 10-day fair takes place.

The eighth edition of this initiative (March 17-24) is part of Dubai Art Week and will be a platform for artists based in the UAE and GCC region to showcase their talents through different mediums – from visual and performing arts to music and film. There’ll be screenings, poetry readings and workshops on painting, photography and sculpting. Events start at 6pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends; visit dubaiculture.gov.ae.

Art Dubai, the international art fair kicks off on March 21 at Madinat Jumeirah. Until March 24, you can discover exhibitions, symposiums and installations that will nourish curiosity and intellect. A total of 105 galleries from 48 countries, including first-time participants from Iceland, Ethiopia and Kazakhstan will be part of this year’s fair.

Highlights of this year’s edition is The Global Art Forum, entitled ‘I am not a Robot’

– it will focus on the paranoia and potential of automation (we’re looking at you, Alexa).

There’s also the perennial favourite, Shaikha Manal Little Artists Program, which will host workshops and tours that will introduce kids to important art pieces from the fair.

This year the programme has an interactive art installation called Healing Garden by Japanese-Australian artist, Hiromi Tango. Art Dubai will also host public tours for visitors; single-day tickets from Dh60 at 800tickets.com.