World Art Day celebrates the Universality of Creativity
Submitted by Leslie Drummond
What is the one common element in just about every single aspect of our lives? ART AND CREATIVITY! Think about it. Your clothing, furniture, home design, hairstyle, the music you listen to, stories you read your children, many aspects of the computer you work on, a play you go to see, how you set the dinner table, reflect how the arts and creative thinking fit into your daily life.
In 2012, UNESCO and the International Association of Art (IAA) founded World Art Day to celebrate the fine arts and promote the awareness of creativity worldwide. A very logical date for this celebration was chosen - April 15th, the birthdate of Leonardo da Vinci. Considered one of the greatest artists and creative thinkers of all time, his abundant expertise included drawing, painting, invention, botany, astronomy, engineering, sculpture, architecture, science, music, mathematics, anatomy and geology. Among many fascinating facts about Leonardo, he had no real surname (da Vinci means “of Vinci”, a place), he had no formal art training, and he wrote everything in mirror script (backward writing) as he was left-handed and this avoided smearing his notes. A testament to just how important Leonardo was to the creative world: Bill Gates bought his notebook of thoughts and ideas for $30.8 million.
UNESCO’S vision for World Art Day was intended to encourage awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions, strengthen links between different cultures, and highlight the contribution of artists to society. It is a day that also focuses on arts education in the school system. Although one special day has been set aside, it is very easy and important for people to recognize art in their lives and realize that a better world has been created through aesthetics.
Your Art Challenge
To celebrate World Art Day on April 15th, set yourself a challenge connected to the Arts that will allow creativity and aesthetics to enrich your world, and to support the arts in your community.
Where to start? It might be a daily, weekly or random activity that is easy and short-lived or one that continues over a period of time. Make it part of your daily routine or an exciting adventure trying something new. A solitary experience that nourishes your soul or special time shared with others. Here are just a few ideas to get you started.
For yourself:
read a book, write a poem, story, or letter
sign up for an art class and/or music lesson
research a famous artist, and visit their virtual gallery
visit local art studios and gardens, and learn about the local artists
watch an iconic art movie (Mona Lisa Smile, Frida, Renoir)
design a garden bed - new or one that needs revamping
invest in a piece of art created by a local artist or artisan
For others:
read aloud and/or make a craft with little ones
cook with a family member and share your baking or meal with a neighbour
create a card and send it to a friend or relative
share a creative skill with a friend or child
serenade someone you love
get friends together for a musical jam session
join a book club
Ideas on how to bring the Arts into your life are endless and only limited to your imagination. Enrich your life and celebrate World Art Day all year long. Take the KLAC Challenge and let us know how it goes! Post your thoughts/pics with #WorldArtDay #KLACchallenge.
