WORLD ART DAY
Every year World Art Day on April 15th celebrates the fine arts and promotes awareness of creativity worldwide.
When humans use their creative skills and imagination to create something in visual form, it is called art. Some of the most popular types of art include painting, sculpting, drawing, photography, and calligraphy. These art forms can be used in professional applications, such as architecture, fashion design, wood crafts, and jewelry design. Along with visual arts, there are also the performing arts. Examples of the performing arts include dance, theater, and music.
There are many reasons everyone (especially children) should take up an art form. Some of the benefits art has to offer include:
- Art generates a love for learning and creativity.
- Art strengthens focus, improves hand-eye coordination, and helps teach problem-solving.
- It supports emotional intelligence and helps people express complex feelings.
- Art reaches across racial stereotypes and religious barriers and helps to build communities.
- It builds self-esteem, increases motivation, and improves holistic health.
- Art awakens the senses and helps people experience the world in new ways.
Many people enjoy art as a hobby. Others make their living as an artist. According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), there are over 2 million professional artists in the United States. Many of these artists are fashion designers, floral designers, and graphic artists. A smaller percentage of artists make their living as writers, animators, and architects.
It’s unknown how many artists there are throughout the world. What is known is that some cities are well-known for their arts and culture. Some of these cities include Florence, Venice, Rome, London, Barcelona, Mexico City, Paris, Vienna, and Jerusalem.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldArtDay
The International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) organizes this day and promotes international collaboration through art. This association is an NGO partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Every year, the city of Los Angeles hosts a variety of festivities to celebrate this day.
To participate:
- Sketch a drawing, write an essay, take some photographs, or make up a song.
- Commit to taking a painting class or sign up for a wine and canvas event.
- Do an art project with your child.
- Learn about world-famous artists including Vincent van Gogh, Michelangelo, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O’Keefe.
- Visit an art museum.
- Watch an iconic art movie such as Mona Lisa Smile, Walt Before Mickey, Midnight in Paris, or Frida.
Share your artistic creation on social media with #WorldArtDay.
WORLD ART DAY HISTORY
The IAA/AIAP and UNESCO founded World Art Day in 2012. They chose the date of April 15th as it coincided with Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday. Known as one of the most famous artists in history, Leonardo da Vinci has become a symbol of peace, freedom of expression, and tolerance and brotherhood.
