World Art Day

World Art Day History

World Art Day is dedicated to promoting awareness, appreciation, and practice of artistic creativity in all its forms. The observance emphasizes the integral role that art plays in cultural enrichment, social interaction, and human expression. Moreover, it underscores the value of art as a universal language that transcends boundaries, races, and cultures, facilitating an understanding of diverse perspectives.

World Art Day was first initiated in 2011 by the International Association of Art (IAA/AIAP), a partner of UNESCO, to honor the birthday of the famed painter, Leonardo da Vinci. The intent was to reflect the influence of da Vinci's multifaceted talent across various art genres. For Americans, World Art Day is a significant reminder of how art has shaped the cultural and historical narratives of the nation. It is a day to acknowledge and appreciate American artists who immortalized significant periods of history, such as the Civil Rights era or the Great Depression, through their works.

In America, World Art Day is marked by a range of activities, including art exhibitions and festivals, educational workshops, and special performances to celebrate artists and their contributions. Many museums and galleries offer free admissions or extend their operating hours to encourage public participation. Schools and academic institutions frequently engage students in art projects or competitions. Artists, amateur and professional alike, are encouraged to create and share their work. While World Art Day is globally celebrated on April 15th, the universal message of unity through art permeates every day in America's vibrant and diverse art scene.

Facts about World Art Day

• According to Artsy, in 2023, the most expensive artwork sold at auction was Pablo Picasso’s Femme à la montre (Woman with Watch) which sold for $139.4 million at Sotheby’s New York
  According to PBS, the most expensive piece of art sold in 2022 was Andy Warhol’s painting titled Shot Sage Blue Marilyn. Selling for $195 million, it is an up close portrait of Marilyn Monroe.
• Leonardo da Vinci’s painting titled Salvator Mundi sold for $450 million in 2017, becoming the world’s most expensive art piece ever sold.
• According to Zippia, the median pay for Artists in the US in 2022 was $68,690 per year.
• Different forms of art include:
  1) Painting
  2) Sculpture
  3) Architecture
  4) Literature
  5) Music
• According to IBISworld, in 2022, there are over 1 million people employed in the Performers and Creative Artists industry in the U.S.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Art Day