World Art Day is an international celebration of the fine arts. It was declared by the International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP) to promote awareness of creativity worldwide.

April 15, 2012, was the first day World Art Day celebrated. It was a date chosen in honor of Leonardo Da Vinci’s birthday. He is a “symbol of world peace, freedom of expression, tolerance and brotherhood” (iaa-usa).

In 2015, World Art Day was held in Los Angeles for the first time. Ever since then it has been the location that was cherished internationally. This year it has been planned to be celebrated in a new virtual way where everyone can be a part of, but it will still be hosted in Los Angeles. This year’s theme is “You’re Not Alone.”

According to UNESCO, World Art Day celebrations “help strengthen the links between artistic creations and society, encourage awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. The day also focuses on arts education in schools.”

“When humans use their creative skills and imagination to create something in visual form, it is called art”…. These art forms “can be used in professional applications like architecture, fashion design, wood crafts, and jewelry design… performing arts include dance, theatre, and music” (National Day Calendar) .

National Day Calendar goes on to explain some of the benefits of viewing, experiencing and creating art, ideas that include building self-esteem, increasing motivation, and improving holistic health. Art can awaken the senses and helps people experience the world in new ways.

To participate in World Art Day, you could be creative – create a sketch, take photographs, write or perform a song – or develop your understanding of art by studying famous artists from the past, or watching an iconic art movie like Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Walt before Mickey (2015), Midnight in Paris (2011), or Frida (2002). All of them are streaming online on various platforms.