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Dubai Culture concludes Japan cultural exchange programme supported by the Sikka Platform
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Initiative aimed at amplifying the global visibility of Emirati and UAE-based creatives
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has successfully concluded its Japan Art and Culture Delegation Programme—an initiative delivered with the support of the Sikka Platform to elevate Emirati and UAE-based creatives on the global stage. This immersive experience formed part of the Dubai Cultural Grant and aligned with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, reinforcing Dubai Culture’s ambition to empower artistic talent, enhance creative exposure, and foster an environment in which innovation and expression can flourish.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted the strategic importance of cultural diplomacy in positioning Dubai as a global arts hub. She pointed to the value of the UAE–Japan Creative Exchange in creating avenues for collaboration with international universities, galleries, and artistic institutions. She said: “This programme opens up new prospects for creatives, offering them opportunities to learn about diverse practices and benefit from academic expertise. Such exposure enables them to explore international trends, improve their modes of expression, and discover innovative ways to reflect the authenticity of our heritage and local identity. By nurturing this spirit of exploration, we are not only advancing Dubai’s vision for a prominent place on the world stage but also supporting individuals on their journey to excellence and the growth of the creative economy. Dubai Culture remains dedicated to championing exceptional creators and helping them reach their full potential.”
The 10-day delegation featured an impressive lineup of UAE-based creatives: artist and curator Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum; designer and curator Kamla AlOlama; Amna Al Zaabi, researcher and Senior Curatorial Assistant at the Louvre Abu Dhabi; multidisciplinary artist Latifa Saeed; Fatma Al Ali, known for her focus on collective memory and oral storytelling; graphic design lecturer Alanood Bukhammas from Zayed University; and artist and assistant professor Asma Belhamar, also from Zayed University. Joining them were Lebanese artist-curator Ahmad Makary, founder of The Workshop DXB, and Bahraini artist-curator Yara Ayoob.
The group was mentored by Yusaku Imamura, Vice President of Tokyo University of the Arts and Professor in the Global Art Practice programme. He collaborated with Manabu Ozawa, designer and university lecturer, and Kayoko Imamura, architect and Director of the Japan Arts and Culture Foundation. Maitha Al Zaabi served as Project Manager for the delegation.
Immersive Cultural Encounters
During the exchange, participants visited Expo 2025 Osaka and explored the UAE Pavilion, themed ‘From Earth to Ether,’ which showcases national achievements in space, healthcare, and sustainable innovation. The visit also included a dialogue with renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, the visionary behind the Expo’s Japan Grand Ring.
The itinerary featured landmark visits across Tokyo, Osaka, and nearby regions. Stops included the Mori Art Museum and several leading galleries—Tomio Koyama Gallery, Shugo Arts, and Taka Ishii Gallery. Delegates also engaged with Yayoi Komatsu, Director of the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and viewed solo exhibitions at the POLA Museum Annex, including work by Hiraku Suzuki. The group explored the MOA Museum in Atami and the Odawara Art Foundation by Hiroshi Sugimoto, a site uniquely designed to harmonise with nature and time.
The programme also introduced participants to 21_21 Design Sight by Tadao Ando, Karimoku furniture company, Postalco design studio, Takram, Kengo Kuma & Associates, and Tokyo University of the Arts. Encounters with contemporary artists like Kenji Yanobe and immersive experiences at TeamLab’s installations offered further creative stimulation. The group concluded their journey with visits to CFCL (Clothing for Contemporary Life), animation studio A-1 Pictures, and the Yayoi Kusama Museum, where they met its Director, Akira Tatehata.
Participant Reflections
Reflecting on the initiative, artist and curator Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum described the trip as intellectually enriching. He said: “The program enabled us to appreciate the nuances of the Japanese cultural landscape, which brought new depth to our intellectual dialogue with Japan.”
Artist Asma Belhamar shared how the programme sparked fresh inspiration. She noted: “The cities we visited have a deep-rooted history and unique architectural designs. They served as a window into the Japanese arts scene and helped us gain new perspectives.”
Designer and curator Kamla AlOlama emphasised the programme’s value in expanding artistic horizons. She stated that the exchange encouraged inventive thinking around art, architecture, and design, while enabling connections with fellow creatives and academics. These interactions, she said, proved essential in discussing cutting-edge creative movements.
Ahmad Makary highlighted the resonance of cultural dialogue. He said engaging with Japanese artists spurred reflections on the synergy between heritage and modern aesthetics, adding: “The exchange offered an opportunity to explore how to embed regional and local identity within modern artistic frameworks.”
Curator Yara Ayoob appreciated the exposure to global best practices. She remarked: “Every meeting and visit was invaluable, thanks to the thoughtful advice and impactful ideas shared throughout. It made a significant contribution to both my personal and professional development.”
Researcher and curator Amna Al Zaabi described the initiative as eye-opening and deeply transformative. She commented: “The tours helped me uncover a deep relationship between cultural heritage and expression, which deepened my understanding of creative narratives and their complexity.”
Artist Fatma Al Ali praised the opportunity to visit Japanese art studios and learn directly from creatives. She said that meeting institutional leaders significantly enriched the experience and left a lasting impression.
Design professor Alanood Bukhammas highlighted the enduring impact of the trip, saying: “Participating made it possible to establish sustainable networks and generate new, high-quality ideas that can be applied in educational contexts.”
Artist Latifa Saeed concluded by acknowledging the crucial role Dubai Culture plays in enabling cross-cultural growth. She said: “Such cultural programs offer a genuine chance to learn from others. It has a positive influence on the development of our skills and motivates us to grow and develop our abilities.”