Celebrate World Art Day: Embrace Arts in School Education

World Art Day (WAD), coordinated by UNESCO, is celebrated on April 15 to honor the birth of Leonardo da Vinci 9b. 1452) since 2019. This day promotes the development, diffusion, and enjoyment of art. The observance is meant to highlights art's power for social inclusion, well-being, and peace, honoring creativity worldwide.

According to UNESCO, the aim of the special day is to celebrate various art forms—including painting, drawing, music, and dance—and to recognize the contributions of artists to sustainable development. The International Association of Art (IAA) plays an important role in the celebration of the day.

UNSCO holds that celebrations on the day help to '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.'

"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," states the UNESCO on its website.

I believe that the art-integrated learning (AIL) initiative in India must take leads from the WAD observance and promote its presence and integration in STEAM education.