Dubai Culture's new program 'Harakat Sikka' offers free training for aspiring animators

Dubai: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched 'Harakat Sikka,' a new initiative under the Sikka Platform, aimed at nurturing the next generation of animators in the UAE. The program is designed to develop skills in stop-motion animation and visual storytelling through immersive workshops, offering a unique opportunity for emerging creatives to produce original work.

The course, which runs from August 18 to September 26, 2025, will be held at House 436 in the Al Shindagha Historical Neighbourhood. It is open to UAE nationals and residents aged 18 and older, including students, artists, filmmakers, designers, and writers, with no prior experience required. The workshops will be delivered in both Arabic and English.

Under the guidance of director-artist Boubaker Boukhari, participants will engage in a month-long creative program. The program is limited to just 10 participants, who will meet three times a week to explore every stage of the animation process, from concept development and storyboarding to filming, editing, and distribution strategies. The curriculum also includes practical workshops in character design, visual arts, and audio recording.

The ultimate goal of the program is for participants to produce original short films that reflect their unique ideas and identity. These projects will be showcased at a public screening during the Sikka Art & Design Festival.

Aspiring storytellers can apply by submitting short written responses explaining their motivation and interest in animation, along with a CV or creative portfolio if available. The deadline for applications is August 8, and candidates will be selected based on their demonstrated interest in the field. This initiative reinforces Dubai Culture's commitment to building sustainable talent development platforms and strengthening Dubai's position as a global hub for creativity and culture.