World Art Day is celebrated on April 15 every year. The first World Art Day was celebrated in 2012 when it was started by the International Association of Art (IAA) with the idea of promoting awareness about creative activity all over the globe.
The Day is set aside to raise awareness about and honour the contributions that various artists have made throughout the world while promoting the importance of art in the lives of every human. Notably, one of the world’s renowned and legendary artist, Leonardo da Vinci, was born on April 15.
“Art nurtures creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue. These are qualities that art has always had and will always have if we continue to support environments where artists and artistic freedom are promoted and protected. In this way, furthering the development of art also furthers our means to achieve a free and peaceful world,” said UNESCO. Furthermore, Art has always been a powerful medium for sharing knowledge, sparking conversation, and promoting artistic freedom. From museum pieces to street murals, art is used for storytelling, documenting history, and preserving the past. It serves as a catalyst for nurturing creativity, fostering innovation, and promoting cultural diversity among people globally. It also plays a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge, stimulating curiosity, and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
Each year, on 15 April, World Art Day celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education. The chosen theme for 2024 World Art Day is “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community through Art.”
The theme encapsulates the essence of art as a vibrant and nurturing force that fosters connection, creativity, and collaboration within communities worldwide. Just like a garden, where diverse plants coexist and thrive together, art serves as a fertile ground for the cultivation of diverse expressions, ideas, and perspectives. It represents a collective space where individuals from different backgrounds come together to share their unique voices and experiences, contributing to the rich tapestry of human culture.
In this metaphorical garden of expression, each artwork is akin to a blossoming flower, reflecting the individuality and creativity of its creator. Just as a garden requires care and attention to flourish, so too does the artistic community require support and encouragement to grow and thrive. Moreover, the theme underscores the transformative power of art to bridge divides and forge connections among people. Through artistic endeavours, communities can come together to address common challenges, celebrate shared values, and promote understanding and empathy.
The significance of the chosen theme for 2024 World Art Day includes celebrating the rich cultural diversity and artistic expressions from around the globe; promoting creativity and innovation across various art forms; fostering dialogue and understanding; advocating for artistic freedom and expression; inspiring positive social change and contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
