House 45

THE WORKSHOP DXB: URBAN CULTURE

House 45 by The Workshop Dxb is a vibrant urban oasis, offering a truly immersive experience for Sikka 23 attendees. Showcasing the very best of Dubai's urban culture and grassroots artists, visitors can expect an array of engaging and thought-provoking creative experiences.

From captivating art installations to an eclectic music program featuring emerging talent from the region, House 45 is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and immersive offbeat experience. Additionally, visitors can participate in engaging talks and workshops, where they can gain unique insights and perspectives from some of the most innovative minds in the local creative community.

House 45 will also have a retail space, featuring carefully curated products from local brands that share the street's passion for promoting home-grown talent and creativity.

Adjacent to House 45, The Workshop Dxb is also curating an outdoor space dedicated to the culinary arts. The aroma of sizzling meats and spices combined with the sounds of bustling crowds can transport visitors to the vibrant streets of bustling cities, creating an exciting and energetic vibe, paired with some of the best local chefs and creatives.

WORKSHOPS:

MAY AL ALI (Yemen)
JEWELRY MAKING / FEB 28, 6:30PM - 8:30PM

They will learn how to mold, shape, and manipulate the clay to create beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry. With the help of our multidisciplinary artist, May Ali they will explore their creativity and learn new techniques to bring their ideas to life. By the end of the workshop, each child will have their own personalized piece of jewelry to take home and show off to friends and family.

This workshop is perfect for kids between the ages of 8 and 14 who have an interest in crafting, art, and jewelry making. The use of fast drying clay ensures that the kids will be able to complete their projects and take them home on the same day. The experience is not only fun and educational, but also provides a sense of accomplishment and encourages kids to explore their creativity.

WEAVING / 1ST MARCH, 5:00PM - 7:00PM

This workshop introduces kids between the ages of 8 and 14 to the world of weaving using a loom. Guided by our multidisciplinary artist, May Ali, they will learn how to interweave threads or yarns to create unique patterns and designs. Through hands-on exploration, the children will develop their creativity and discover new techniques for weaving. At the end of the workshop, each child will have their own woven masterpiece to take home and showcase with pride.

This workshop is a perfect opportunity for kids who love crafting, art, and textile design. Using a loom, they will learn the traditional art of weaving and create beautiful pieces that they can be proud of. This workshop is sure to be a memorable experience for the kids and a great way to encourage them to continue their creative pursuits.

DREAMCATCHER / 2ND MARCH, 5:00PM - 7:00PM

This dreamcatcher weaving workshop is an exciting opportunity for kids between the ages of 8 and 14 to learn a traditional Native American craft. Guided by our multidisciplinary artist, May Ali, they will learn how to weave a dreamcatcher using natural materials like feathers, beads, and string. The children will explore their creativity and learn new techniques as they create their own unique dreamcatcher to take home. This workshop is perfect for kids who love crafting, art, and learning about different cultures. The process of making a dreamcatcher is both fun and educational, as the children will learn about the symbolism and purpose of dreamcatcher in Native American culture. At the end of the workshop, each child will have their own dreamcatcher to hang in their room, reminding them of the experience and the new skills they've learned.

COSMIC CANVAS / 2ND MARCH, 7:30PM - 9:30PM

In this watercolor galaxy painting workshop, kids between the ages of 8 and 16 will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and learn new techniques. Under the guidance of our multidisciplinary artist May Ali, they will discover how to mix and blend watercolors to create stunning depictions of the night sky. Basic watercolor techniques, such as washes and blending, will be taught and applied to create a unique and beautiful piece of artwork.

This workshop is ideal for kids who are passionate about art and the beauty of the cosmos. By the end of the session, each child will have their own watercolor galaxy painting to take home and hang in their bedrooms!

ART INSTALLATIONS:

Ahmad Makari (Lebanon)
Chromatic Preservation / Fabric / 2023

The installation consists of chromatic tapestry covering the angular and intertwining shapes of House45, forming a fabric wrapped tribute to heritage and international architect Luis Barragan.

S3k Studio (Switzerland)
I Used To Sleep At Night / Interactive Video / 2023

An interactive installation created by S3k Studio. The installation uses 3D luminance, distortion light grid depth and a webcam to create a groovy immersive experience.

FINK 22 (United Kingdom)
Behind The Glass / Tape On Frosted Glass / 2023

The installation consists of multiple one line faces created by the street artist Fink 22. These faces have been attached to the reverse of a frosted window using black tape. The faces are illuminated from behind by an array of colored lights. The interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and movement in the one line faces, bringing them to life and animating their abstracted features. The installation encourages the viewer to contemplate the relationships between light and color, positive and negative space, and the ways in which a single line can convey depth and emotion.

Enforce One / (New Zealand)
Midnight Through The Forest / Mixed Media: Fabrics, Spray Paint & Ink / 2023

Midnight through The Forest is a hanging installation that takes you on a short journey into house 45. An alleyway of fabrics with artworks inspired by nature. Life is made up of tiny moments in time. We all have a part to play, every experience is a stitch in the fabric of our beings. It is up to us to choose what we use to add strength and lockstitch that weaves into the tapestry of our lives.

PANELS | TALKS | CONVERSATIONS:

"But is it 'street' art": Culture VS Commerce

Presented by Karama Arts Club / FEB 25, 8:30PM - 10:00PM

Moderated by: Rabab Tantawy
Speakers: Fats, Fink22, Morph, Melancholy

This is the burning question we throw at some of Dubai’s leading street art pioneers- does Dubai have an authentic culture? How does Dubai compare to other cities, where are we headed and how do these guys preserve their artist integrity whilst earning a living? So much to unpack and lots to learn for everyone who isn’t directly involved in the scene. We can’t wait to hear from these guys- this is set to be an enlightening discussion not to be missed…

Global Culture

Presented by Last Seen Live & Ultraviolet Live / FEB 26, 5:30 - 7:30PM

Moderated by: Pirlanta Toubba
Speakers: Philip Rachid, Patchoulee, Tamila, Mc Shadi

Showcases & Conversations with Emirati artists

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 3, 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Moderated by: Omar Al Busaidy
Speakers: SQ, Saud G, Abri & Fafa

Tales Of Emirati Talents

Towards a Thriving Music Ecosystem / MAR 3, 7:30PM - 9:300PM

Moderated by: Dante Kennedy
Speakers: SQ, Saud G, Abri, Fafa

"Art is dead, dude": Art & A.I.

Presented by Karama Arts Club / MAR 4, 20:30PM - 10:30PM

Moderated by: Mat Schramm
Speakers: Rahim Mahtab, Fiona Robertson, Beno Saradzic, May Ali

"Art is dead, dude”…Jason Allen told the New York Times after he won the Colorado State Art Fair as an ‘emerging digital artist’ His artwork was created by artificial intelligence and artists are furious. But Mr Allen was unmoved: “It’s over. A.I. won. Human’s lost” he told the paper.

Is A.I. art ART? What even IS art in 2023? Are machines stealing from artists? Should artists protect their work and livelihoods from A.I generators? Where are we headed? Should we be scared? Five digital art experts thrash it out under the stars then open it up to the floor- so come and join this pressing debate…

PERFORMANCES AT THE TERRACE:

FAFA (UAE)

Presented by Last Seen Live / FEB 24, 6:30PM - 7:00PM

FAFA is an Emirati/Honduran artist known for her powerful voice and warm timbre. Her lyrics revolve around mental health and identity, meanwhile using her craft as a catalyst to heal and uplift. Her singing style is unique, gathering inspiration from artists such as Etta James, Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse. The genre that would best describe her style is pop Neo soul with middle eastern influences. In 2019, she performed as the opening act for Bruno Mars on New Years. The singer is passionate about the betterment of artists in her home country and works to contribute to the progression as well as release music to inspire those who find solace in her sound.

WYWY (Philippines)

Presented by Ultraviolet Live / FEB 24, 8:00PM - 10:00PM

WYWY is a dream pop /ethereal wave couple based in the United Arab Emirates. It consists of X (synths xylophone) Mckie ( bass guitar) They are known for their dreamy,dark, ethereal sound and visual live performances. WYWY have performed at numerous events in the United Arab Emirates and abroad. They have also performed globally such as Singapore, Fete dela Musique in the Philippines, Aqtushetti Music Festival in Georgia, Bahrain's Museland Festival, MUTEK AE and Love Labor Leisure Day curated by Goethe Institute in Germany The couple was recognized in iLLustrado Magazine’s The 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf 2016 2018 and in 300 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf in 2019. WYWY was also featured in Polskie Radio in Poland, radio stations in the US including DKFM.

House 45 Opening Party with Adamillion, KC Hamada, Jara

Presented by Last Seen Live / FEB 24, 10:00PM -12:00AM

Join us for a night of music, art, and community as we celebrate the opening of House45 By The Workshop Dxb at Sikka Festival. On the 24th of Feb from 10:00pm to 12:00am, immerse yourself in the sounds of Adamillion, KC Hamada, and Jara (presented by Last Seen Live) as they take the stage for a live performance you won't forget. Come meet new people, connect with like-minded creatives, and experience the vibrant energy of Dubai's arts scene. We can't wait to see you there!

Sound 45 Sammany & Sound Of Adiga (Sudan)

Presented by Last Seen Live / FEB 25, 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Sammany Hajo is a Sudanese musician and beatmaker residing in Qatar. His discography is a fusion of several genres like reggae, jazz, hip-hop, and both traditional and modern Sudanese music In addition to producing beats. Sammany is also an instrumentalist playing the guitar and piano as his main instruments. His performance on the COLORSXSTUDIOS stage debuted his singing career as he performed his single Matalib.

Sound Of Adiga (Sudan)

Formed in 2016, Dubai based Sudanese group Adiga brings traditional rustic Sudanese sounds to the present. Blending the old and new, the trio adds a modern experimental twist to the classic Sudanese tone.

DJ Alex in lights presents Magnum Ghandour, Ugly Moss, AB

Presented by Last Seen Live / FEB 25, 10:00PM - 12:00AM

DJ Alex (Lebanon)

Magnum Ghandour (Lebanon)

Magnum Ghandour is an artist born and raised in the UAE. Influenced by different regional and western artists, he blends modern rock and hiphop sounds, making him stand out in the region.

Ugly Moss (Syria)

Moss, professionally known as Uglymoss, is a Dubai based Syrian-Egyptian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Characterized by his distinct style, fits, tattoos, and imagery. His artistic sound is built upon a new wave of trap with a melodic rockstar approach. His local notability has only grown, from performing at local underground shows, to bigger stages and plenty of live shows within the region; Adidas Originals at SOLE DXB 2019, Quoz Art Festival 2022, and more recently Tik Tok Music interstellar 2023.

AB (Canada)

AB is an artist born in Toronto and raised in the UAE. He has one of the most acclaimed melodic trap sound in the region, and is bound to hit the stars"

KC Hamada (Iran)

"Hip-Hop artist with a penchant for exploring, KC Hamada is not one to shy away from telling an authentic story even if it means straying from the norm. With a melting pot upbringing, you hear various cultures taking part in his creative pursuit. Notably, being one of the few in his generation to push the boundaries in soundscapes & languages being performed. Born and raised in Dubai, the rapper/producer carries influence from his musical heroes, yet combining his own originality and years of performing under his belt. As described by MENA based publication ArtKentro, “This kid was born to tear up a rave"

Jara (Somaliya)

Meet Jara! Saudi’s breakthrough female rapper who continues to defy the status quo.Passionate for the spoken word and fashion, driven by advocating women’s causes and championing their strive for equality and empowerment. Not afraid to speak her mind and truth, this shines through and through in her music. Her song 966 which pays homage to her home Saudi Arabia was selected for spotify’s sawtik campaign. With songs like Afa and Funny How she cements her position as spokesperson, activist, pioneer for the youth in the region. She has been featured in many reputable publications like Vogue Arabia and Harper’s Bazaar Arabia.

Powers FM (Nigeria)

FEB 26, 5:00PM - 5:30PM

Ron Ekore is a Nigerian artist. Music, performance, and sound art serve as platforms for them to engage with their lived reality from the perspective of a curious observer.

DJ Patchoulee (United Kingdom)

Presented by Ultraviolet Live / FEB 26, 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Patchoulee’s love for music is rooted in the 80s when her brother was DJing at old skool house parties playing disco, soul, funk and jazz; She soon became addicted to collecting vinyl, this was fuelled by the job she landed working for Wiiija Records at Rough Trade in London. It was here that she got her lucky break DJing for The Beastie Boys during their Ill Communication tour in between sets-her name was thrown up on the posters and her DJ career was unknowingly launched.

Hosny (Egypt)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 3, 5:00PM - 5:30PM

Mohamed Hosny, Oud player and Arabic singer, songwriter, started his journey studying at the institute (conservatoire de musique) in Alexandria Egypt, then went to arabic Oud house and had the privilege to study under master Ashraf Awad, Nancy Farouk And Nasser Shamma and later Hazem Shaheen. performed in major chains in Egypt such as Alexandria bibliotheca, jesuit culture center, al sawy culture wheel, cairo jazz club with different bands as an arabic singer and oud player.

Sound 45, SQ & TBAZZ

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 3, 5:30PM - 6:00PM

SQ (UAE)

SQ is an Emirati rapper & songwriter born and raised in Abu Dhabi. With over 18 years of recording experience, he can perform across a wide range of music styles and genres, in both English and his native language arabic. Combining traditional hip hop with modern musical styles from the middle east, SQ uses a signature cadence and rhythmic structures that make him uniquely versatile. He has also enjoyed collaborations with the likes of Soultrotter, and Arqam the Emirati soul singer.

TBAZZ (Nigeria)

A virtuoso bass player who expresses his versatility in various genres of music which includes but not limited to Jazz, Pop, Blues, R'n'B, and Bollywood to mention a few. He is known for his bass techniques,his rolling notes and modes played over the fretboard. With experience that spans over a decade of performance with several bands in the UAE and internationally, he is noted for his professionalism and positive attitude to work and projects in which he has been involved.

Shébani (Iraq)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 3, 9:00PM - 9:30PM

Iraqi-born and raised in the UAE, Shébani has quickly captured the hearts of listeners and fans worldwide with her unforced, yet captivating music that shines an introspective light onto our deepest emotions as humans and singing directly to our heart and soul. Vibrant, emotional, and unabashedly honest, Shébani effortlessly dives deep into the aspects of what it is to be human, encompassing all the beauty and flaws of fear, love, regret, bliss, or anxiety within her music. With every note, melody, and vocal nuance, Shébani touches upon themes often subdued, embracing the challenges of modern-day relevance whilst embodying the significance of reflection and truth as a woman for women.

Saud G (Dominica)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 3, 9:30PM - 10:00PM

Saud Ibrahim knowN as Saud G is an Emirati rapper and music producer, Performing hip hop in Arabic representing the sound UAE in the region.

Live Session with AL3S3S Feat. Sways N Edges

Presented by SNE Productions / MAR 3, 10:00PM-10:30PM

Saud Ibrahim knowN as Saud G is an Emirati rapper and music producer, Performing hip hop in Arabic representing the sound UAE in the region.

AL3S3S (Jordan)

Suhaib al3s3s , the rapper/Spoken word artist that when mixes the words together you just wanna sit, listen and go with the flow of his words and music.

Jam Session with Sways & Edges (Sudan, Jordan, Egypt)

Presented by SNE Productions / MAR 3, 10:30PM-12:00AM

UAE’s favorite funk group. A collective of personalities and music backgrounds that emerged to produce a hype yet cozy vibe.

Palm B (United Kingdom)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 4, 5:00PM - 5:30PM

Palm B is a British lyricist, spoken word artist and conscious rapper, raised in Abu Dhabi. He approaches music from the writing perspective initially. He collaborates with producers of a diverse variety of genres, ranging from NeoSoul, lo-fi, to R&B, bringing verses of varied content to each track.

Sound 45 Bea Kadri Feat. Sound Of Adiga

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 4, 7:30PM - 8:00PM

Bea Kadri (Lebanon)

A Lebanese independent singer-songwriter based in Dubai. She first made her debut in 2018 with “Cloud 9” and has consistently been releasing records since. The soulstress writes & sings about self-discovery, empowerment, and all matters of the heart, creating an original R&b chill and sultry sound. Bea has been featured on publications such as GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire, Regional Artists Spotlight, Emirates Woman, Khaleej Times & more. Today, Bea is releasing her debut album “No Love For The Long Distance” in which she explores a wave of emotions with songs like “Outpour”, “Poison”, “Ruthless (Ma Ber7am)” & more.

Live Session with Sound Of Adiga (Sudan)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 4, 8:00PM - 8:30PM

Abri (UAE)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 4, 10:00PM-00:30PM

Emirati Singer/Songwriter ABRI (Hamdan Al-Abri) was born in Dubai he began vocalizing at a young age, which soon developed into more than a hobby. He earned his stripes working alongside numerous groups and bands in Dubai and abroad, gaining vital live experience, while enhancing his songwriting skills and cultivating his unequivocal voice.

Satwa 3000 (Switzerland)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 4, 10:30PM-12:00AM

Inspired by art, poetry, punk, quirkiness, beauty, philosophy, culture, pop-culture, S3K Studio is a vibrant and energetic creative studio with a transgressive and offbeat spirit.

DJ Motion (Egypt)

Presented by Moist Paper Party / MAR 5, 5:30PM - 7:00PM

Dante Kennedy began his touring career in 2009 and has traveled the World, performing for Award shows, Half Time Shows, Tv Shows, and Sold out Stadium Shows with Artists such as Travie McCoy, Miley Cyrus, Enrique Iglesias, Fifth Harmony, Justin Bieber and more. Also Dante was graced to be in the Studio with the likes of Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Young Money, Justin Timberlake, Timberland and more. Dante now has a Global distribution deal with Sony Music.

Acoustic Session with Leoné Murphy (South Africa)

Presented by Last Seen Live / MAR 5, 7:00PM - 7:30PM

Leoné Murphy is a South African singer/songwriter currently based in Dubai. She has been writing her own music since she can remember, and performing professionally in the MENA region since 2015. She performs at festivals, private parties, music circles, and recently had the pleasure of performing on the main stage at EXPO 2020 in Dubai. She writes and sings from the soul, with a whimsical and dreamy voice her melodies will both soothe and stir you. She has released 4 singles so far across all platforms and is planning on releasing some more in 2022, and is currently working on her album due for release in 2023.

"Street Culture' with Spiky Flave (Iraq)

Presented by Ultraviolet Live / MAR 5, 7:30PM - 10:00PM

Mohammed Al Khafaji aka SpikyFlave, Iraqi , born in Kuwait and raised in the United Arab Emirates where he grew up B-boying (breaking) from an early age. In 2008 he founded SlamFam which was an annual gathering of hip hop heads to showcase different aspects of hip hop culture in the region like breaking, graffiti, music and fashion. This platform brought in great talent from around the region and cultivated a strong community. Lately he has set up a home studio and has been creating beats and experimenting with different genres of music including Soul, Funk, Jazz, Hip Hop. He also has a big record collection which he uses to DJ and scratch to.Inspired by fashion, Spikey owns a vintage clothing store called SpikeLo Vintage, creating his own merch by customizing and remixing clothes.

Global Culture Party - DJ Jordan Cortez (Philippines)

Presented by Last Seen Live & Ultraviolet Live / MAR 5, 10:00PM -12:00AM

Jordan Cortez is a Filipino music producer, DJ & visual artist. He usually goes by 199X when performing live with his own beats and when DJing. He also has an ambient new age music project named Sukatoyo. In some cases he goes by his real name when he does casual DJ sets. Four years ago, he moved to Dubai and immersed himself in the city’s budding underground music scene as a prolific beatmaker that brought something the Dubai underground hadn't come upon before. In 2018, he founded a community of friends and musicians that evolved into his Analog Amigo crew. Analog Amigo Records is an open genre independent cassette-focused micro-label & production normally dedicated to putting out and distributing limited physical releases of third world avant-beat, spiritual ambient, syrupy lofi jazz & other experimental left-field new age sounds.

RETAIL:

The shop at House 45 By The Workshop Dxb will be host to a retail space, featuring carefully curated products from local brands that share street’s passion for promoting home-grown talent and creativity.