“Art is sustenance”, says contemporary artist Sarah Sze, which seems like a debatable statement right now. There are many other things that are of utmost importance in the context of a global pandemic – healthcare, policymaking, peace talks, mental health. And yet, art is connected to all these spheres. Moreover – art can help us get through this as a means of self-expression, as a source of inspiration and as something to look forward to.
The World Art Day was first celebrated in 2012 with support from a committee of 150 artists and quickly reached a global scale. The date was decided in honour of Leonardo da Vinci, who was born on April 15th, 1452. UNESCO has picked up on the initiative last year, calling it a celebration “to promote the development, diffusion and enjoyment of art”.
Google Arts & Culture Institute has a been a long-time supporter of the World Art Day. This year they come to the rescue of all the exhausted parents doing they best to entertain the children at home. By launching Family Fun with Arts & Culture they offer a way for both kids and parents to enjoy quality screen time that promotes bonding. From chasing a penguin down the halls of the Rijksmuseum to practicing some Harry Potter magic, the project will lead you down a rabbit hole of entertainment – and we mean in the best way possible!
Another great way to celebrate World Art Day and express gratitude to those at the forefront of the pandemic crisis is to take part in ART’s very own initiative Flowers for Medics. Bring the family together in a fun and creative way!
Also viewable online is “Impermanence”, an exhibition by one of the leading artists of video art Bill Viola, who paved his way into the art world with breathtakingly cinematic explorations of the mysteries of human condition.
There is a multitude of ways to celebrate – today, or any other day (let’s face it, we don’t have anywhere to go right now). Check out our “Gone digital” blog for a selection of cultural online initiatives created in the wake of the pandemic. And if you miss socialising and the feeling of artistic camaraderie, head over to dada.art, where thousands of artists from all over the world are bridging the gap in geography by using their screens to create art together.
There might only be one World Art Day, but it’s down each one of us to turn it into an everyday celebration of creativity.
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