Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has opened applications for Harakat Sikka, a new stop-motion animation and visual storytelling training programme designed to cultivate creative talent across the emirate.
Hosted under the Sikka Platform, the initiative offers aspiring filmmakers, designers, artists, writers, and students a chance to explore animation through a series of hands-on workshops led by renowned director and artist Boubaker Boukhari. Known for his distinctive folklore-inspired stop-motion techniques, Boukhari brings a wealth of experience to this intimate programme.
Running from 18 August to 26 September 2025, the month-long course will be held at House 436 in Dubai’s Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood. The setting—a preserved heritage space within the city’s cultural heart—has been chosen to foster focused, immersive learning.
Participation is limited to just 10 individuals, with sessions held three times a week. The workshops will be delivered in both Arabic and English and are open to UAE nationals and residents aged 18 or older. No prior experience in animation is required, opening the door to fresh voices and undiscovered talent in the creative sector.
The programme spans the full animation production cycle, including concept development, storyboarding, character design, visual and audio techniques, filming, editing, and strategies for distribution and festival submissions. The participants will culminate their training with the public screening of their completed short films at the upcoming Sikka Art & Design Festival.
Applicants are asked to submit a brief written response outlining their motivation and interest in animation. Submissions can be accompanied by a CV or creative portfolio, although this is not mandatory. The deadline for applications is 8 August 2025, and selections will be made based on demonstrated enthusiasm and creative potential.
Harakat Sikka forms part of Dubai Culture’s broader efforts to develop sustainable platforms for talent and promote the creative economy. By facilitating community-driven projects and enabling artists to develop their voice and vision, the initiative reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for arts and culture.
According to Dubai Culture, the programme is intended not only to teach practical animation techniques but also to empower participants to create work that reflects their identities, narratives, and social realities. By the end of the course, attendees will have gained the skills needed to submit their films to both local and international festivals.
“Harakat Sikka isn’t just about learning animation—it’s about storytelling, identity, and experimentation,” said a spokesperson for Dubai Culture. “We are committed to nurturing creative voices and ensuring they have the tools and confidence to contribute to the global arts landscape.”
Interested individuals can apply via the official Dubai Culture platform before the deadline.
