COMMENTARY: Cultivating community through Art

“Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.”- Michelangelo.

Art is often misunderstood. It is debatable whether an aura of mysticism and obscurity is frequently associated with art. Art is an expression from the artist’s view point. What makes art so interesting is the fact that the consumer has the right to interpret the art form. As a result, art can be viewed as subjective at its base core. Art is intergenerational. Art has the ability to connect people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Some will argue that there is a culture of neutrality surrounding art. Art is contextual and should be viewed and interpreted with this in mind. The term “art” is related to the Latin word “ars” meaning, art, skill, or craft. The first known use of the word art is revealed in 13th-century manuscripts. However, the word and its many variants (artem, eart, etc.) have probably existed since the founding of Rome.

At secondary school, commonly referred to as high school we were introduced to art. However, art was not my favourite subject. Nevertheless, art as a timetabled subject can and should be incorporated with other subject areas, not solely for the benefit of the teachers, but to expose the students to this creative and artistic form of expression.

Governments should increase investment in the cultural and creative arts. It is for this reason why STEAM Education is important as a method to teaching and learning. STEAM Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry,
dialogue, and critical thinking. Undoubtedly, the interdisciplinary ways of learning fosters multiple links between improving reading levels and cognitive acuity.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that art nurtures creativity, innovation and cultural diversity for all peoples across the globe and plays an important role in sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity and dialogue. These are qualities that art has always had, and will always have if we continue to support environments where artists and artistic freedom are promoted and protected. In this way, furthering the development of art also furthers our means to achieve a free and peaceful world. World Art Day was
proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019 to promote the development, expression, and enjoyment of art.

Each year, on 15 April, World Art Day celebrations help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the diversity of artistic expressions and highlight the contribution of artists to sustainable development. It is also an occasion to shine a light on arts education in schools, as culture can pave the way for inclusive and equitable education.

The theme for World Art Day 2026 (April 15) is ‘A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art”. This theme emphasizes using artistic creativity to foster community connections, unity, and shared cultural expression. It promotes the idea that art, like a garden, flourishes when shared and nurtured collectively. A community is a group of people who share a common interest or purpose. Community is often associated with ideas of social relationships and provides feelings of companionship and/or belonging. April 15 was chosen to honor Leonardo da Vinci as a symbol of freedom of expression, tolerance, and brotherhood. World Art Day reinforces links between artistic creations and society, highlights the contribution of artists to sustainable development, and encourages greater awareness of all forms of artistic expression.

Ways to Observe World Art Day

Whether you are an artist or just an art enthusiast, there are numerous ways to celebrate this special day. Here are some ideas for commemorating World Art Day:

Visit Local Art Exhibitions or Museums: Take some time to visit local art exhibitions or museums in your area. Many cultural institutions offer special events or reduced admission fees in celebration of World Art Day.

Create Your Own Art: On World Art Day, take the opportunity to explore your own creativity. You can experiment with different art forms, such as painting, drawing, sculpting, or photography. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a curious onlooker, creating something can be a fun and fulfilling experience.

Attend Workshops or Art Classes: Perhaps, you can look for local art studios or community centers offering special World Art Day activities. You can also attend workshops or art classes to learn a new skill or refine your existing ones. World Art Day is a great opportunity to meet other artists and connect with your local art community.
In the words of Georgia O’ Keeffe, I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.

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@WayneCamo