Coral Woman Film Screening at the Sikka Art & Design Festival

Dive into the majestic world of Corals and underwater ecosystems with Coral Woman, an exciting illustrated children’s book presented by Avid Learning under its most coveted ‘Sustainability Now: Conversations for Greener Future’ series at the Sikka Arts and Design Festival 2023 in Dubai.

This book was conceptualised around Filmmaker Priya Thuvassery’s mesmerising and revealing short film by the same name.

Catch the screening of the Coral Woman Film at the Festival every day between 6 PM and 11 PM.

Join us for an exciting hands-on Coral making art workshop on Tuesday, 28th February 2023 from 6 PM to 6:45 PM.

Celebrating Coral Woman at the Sikka Art & Design Festival 2023

What are Corals?

Corals are marine invertebrates that form the foundation of tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems. They develop symbiotic relationships with single-celled algae living within their tissues, providing them with the nutrients they need to survive. As a result, the corals have beautiful vibrant colors and are a major part of reef systems. Corals can come in many shapes and forms, including brain coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. In addition to being important habitats for other marine life, corals also provide natural barriers to protect coastal areas from erosion and flooding caused by waves and storms.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are some of the most vibrant and diverse ecosystems on earth. They are home to a wide variety of organisms, including fish, corals, sponges, sea stars, and many other species. Coral reefs provide essential services to people, such as providing sources of food and protecting coastlines from erosion. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. It spans over 2,300 kilometers and is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

Coral Reefs in India

India has a few coral reef systems along its coastline, including the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, the Gulf of Mannar between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The Gulf of Mannar is also a biosphere reserve and has been recognized by UNESCO for its unique and diverse marine ecosystem.

Threats to Coral Reefs

Unfortunately, coral reefs are under threat from global warming, pollution, and overfishing. Rising ocean temperatures are causing coral bleaching, which is when the coral loses its color and begins to die. Pollution from fertilizers and sewage can cause coral reefs to become overgrown with algae, blocking out the sunlight needed by coral. Overfishing can disrupt the delicate ecosystem of coral reefs and make them more vulnerable to damage.

Conservation Efforts

The establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs), designated areas where activities, such as fishing or development, are restricted or prohibited. International treaties and regulations are designed to limit the amount of fishing and other human activities that can be conducted in coral reefs, as well as set limits on pollutants that can be released into coastal waters.


Art for Conservation of Corals

Art exhibits featuring coral reef-inspired artwork to help raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of coral reefs, and the need to preserve them. Public installations with coral reef themes help bring attention to the importance and need for conservation. Incorporating art into environmental education programs to engage students and promote awareness about the importance and the threats faced.

About Sikka Art and Design Festival

A unique celebration of visual and performing arts and films, annually held in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in March under the umbrella of Dubai Art Season. The 2023 edition of the festival, which marks the Festival’s 11th anniversary, is being held under the theme ‘Celebrating Art, Celebrating Growth’ and under its new umbrella, the Sikka Art and Design Platform, which seeks to support the professional growth journey of emerging creative talent. The Festival features a new visual identity inspired by a sidr tree at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. This year’s Sikka Art & Design Festival exemplifies the growing vibrance of Dubai’s art scene that has emerged as a force to reckon with on the global cultural map.