World Art Day 2024: History, Significance, and Quotes

Every year on April 15, individuals across the globe unite to celebrate World Art Day, a special occasion dedicated to honouring artists and recognizing the significance of art in our lives. This day is particularly meaningful as it coincides with the birthday of the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. Art serves as a profound medium for sharing knowledge, initiating dialogue, and championing artistic freedom. From museum masterpieces to vibrant street murals, art plays a vital role in storytelling, documenting history, and preserving our cultural heritage.

World Art Day Quotes

1. “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

2. “If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh

3. “A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.” – Paul Cezanne

4. “A man paints with his brains and not with his hands.” – Michelangelo

5. “If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.” – Edward Hopper

History of World Art Day

World Art Day was formally established on April 15, 2012, during a General Assembly meeting of the International Association of Art (IAA) in Guadalajara, Mexico. This date was chosen to pay homage to Leonardo da Vinci, recognized as a symbol of freedom of expression and peace. Artists from various corners of the world participated in this historic event, which received support from IAA’s national committees.

In ancient Greece, art was classified into six official categories: Architecture, Painting, Sculpting, Music, Literature, and Dance. However, in 1911, the concept of art expanded with the introduction of Cinema as the seventh art by Ricciotto Canudo.

Significance of World Art Day

Art occupies a unique position in culture, serving as a potent medium for storytelling and immortalizing the beauty of our shared history. World Art Day also pays tribute to the dedication of artists who enrich our lives with color and shape our cultural identities. Iconic figures like Leonardo Da Vinci, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Raja Ravi Varma, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Nandalal Bose have inspired the world with their boundless creativity and talent.

By celebrating World Art Day, we acknowledge and celebrate the universal language of art that transcends boundaries and enriches our lives in myriad ways.