A UNESCO-designated day celebrating the arts in all their forms and their role in human development and intercultural dialogue.
Date15 April
TopicCulture & Heritage
Established2019
Ways to observe this day
Visit a local art gallery or museum
Try a simple art activity with kids, like drawing or painting
Discover a local artist and support their work
Share a piece of art that holds special meaning with friends and family
April 15, the birthday of Italian artist and polymath Leonardo da Vinci in 1452, was chosen as World Art Day. The initiative was originally launched by the International Association of Art in 2012, before UNESCO formally adopted it during its 40th General Conference in 2019, making it an internationally recognized day among the UN's cultural observances.
The day aims to strengthen the place of the arts in society, encourage diverse forms of artistic expression, and highlight art's role in fostering creativity, innovation, and intercultural dialogue, while recognizing artists' contributions to sustainable development through work that reflects their communities' issues and heritage. It also serves as a reminder that art, as a shared human language, has the power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.
Museums, galleries, and schools worldwide mark the day by opening their doors free of charge, hosting art workshops for children and young people, and organizing exhibitions featuring local and international artists.