The first quarter of 2023 brings new opportunities for art enthusiasts across the UAE to venture out.

Tashkeel’s Art Season 2023 is packed with exhibitions of new artwork, exclusive workshops, and compelling activities for all ages. Each event intends to engage and elevate the UAE’s art community of Dubai as Tashkeel celebrates 15 years since its founding.

The SIKKA Art Fest 2023, a multi-day exhibition hosted in the renovated houses of Al Fahidi’s historical neighbourhood from 24 February - 5 March will see Tashkeel debut Anja Bamberg’s work as the current artist-in-residence. Bamberg has been undertaking a short-term, self-directed residency at Tashkeel’s House 10 which culminates in her exhibition inspired by the concept of sustainability and the theme of water. Al Fahidi is home to Tashkeel’s second location and the launch site of the First Solo Residency Programme in 2021; Bamberg’s exhibition will be open to the public and free of charge from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm, daily.

Other members of Tashkeel will also be featured at this year’s SIKKA Art Fest including Abdulla Lutfi, Asma Baker, Natalya Konforti, Lia Staehlin, Mike Arnold, and Victor Sitali., with visitors invited to go beyond the displayed work and to take a look inside the everyday workspaces of the artists which will be open until 10:00 pm every day. Before leaving the historical neighbourhood, they can join any of the drop-in sessions in The Courtyard or purchase a gift from the range of affordable accessories and homeware in Tashkeel’s Pop-Up shop. Visitors can also avail an exclusive 15% off all products in the Tashkeel Pop-Up in SIKKA Art Fest 2023. Deputy Director of Tashkeel, Lisa Ball-Lechgar, encouraged visitors to engage in the diverse aspects of the forthcoming art season. “Our goal, each year, is to create more accessible spaces for residents and visitors of the UAE to interact with and create art – whether through participating at exhibitions like SIKKA, attending workshops in our main branch, or engaging with Tashkeel at art fairs.”

Back at their headquarters in Nad Al Sheba, Tashkeel will be hosting several workshops and art sessions for children, teens and adults, starting on Sunday, 12 February. Both seasoned and budding creatives can take the steps to trademark work and growing businesses in sessions led by Tashkeel’s Deputy Director, Lisa Ball-Lechgar, and Chris Haywood, a dual-qualified Solicitor and Chartered Trademark Attorney based in Dubai. Sunday, 5 March will be an exciting community opportunity for Tashkeel to take creativity beyond its walls in celebration of its 15^th anniversary. This can’t-miss opportunity will allow creatives to meet and create, in and around the venue. Even more workshops for all skills and ages can be found online at Tashkeel.org/workshops.

On Sunday, 26 February, at The Yard in Alserkal Avenue, Tashkeel will open the Counting Leaves exhibition, displaying over 40 new artworks by Alonsa Guevara. This exhibition will culminate Alonsa’s 10-month residency in Tashkeel during which she created original work, led workshops and became a part of Tashkeel’s artist community in the UAE.

March is the UAE’s most anticipated month for art as the city hosts Art Dubai on 1 – 5 March 2023 as well as World Art Dubai from 9 – 12 March 2023. Tashkeel’s longstanding annual presence at both events will continue this year, with pieces on display from Tashkeel members Maitha Demithan and Ruben Sanchez art Art Dubai 2023 and more information available about Tashkeel’s art and design residencies as well as its art advisory services for a range of sectors including hospitality and education.