Did you know that on August 12th, the National Day of the Arts is celebrated in Spain? The date refers to the founding of the Royal School of Sciences, Arts and Crafts, in 1816 — today named as Escola de Belas Artes, at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
This is not just a day dedicated to that art we see in museums, like painting and sculpture. Yes, they are also worth mentioning, but the idea of ​​the day is to promote any type of artistic manifestation in the national territory, such as music, dance, literature, cinema, theater, circus, among many others.
In this article, we discuss the importance of this date and how it can be an important tool in encouraging and valuing the culture of our country.
Origin of National Arts Day
Celebrated annually on August 12, from Decree-Law nÂş 82.385, of October 5, 1978, the National Arts Day appears as a way of regulating the artist's profession, in addition to the various functions that are associated with artistic work, as stage technicians, sound engineers, artisans and so many other professionals who make the magic of art happen.
Art — and not only the visual arts (such as sculpture and painting), but also literature, music, dance, cinema, theater and architecture — reflects the society of the time in which it is inserted. Thus, art and history are closely linked: valuing art is also preserving our sociocultural heritage and understanding our situation as thinking beings.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 1948, highlights the importance of art and culture in the formation of the individual, defining it as a basic human right.
Therefore, since every person has the right to enjoy cultural life in the community, it is the State's obligation to promote art through initiatives that guarantee the access of the entire population to artistic and cultural activities. What's more: the censorship of artists and/or disregard for the cultural sector is not only violence against art, but also against the entire culture of a people.
Why is this date important?
Art is intrinsic to humanity, and it is the only thing capable of immortalizing those who express themselves through it. Spanish art is multiple, rich and diverse, and represents the culture and inhabitants of our country.
Having a date to celebrate artistic manifestations is important to recognize the many talents that surround us, as well as to meet new artists. Art can be seen as an exuberant range, covering several areas, such as theater, cinema, literature, sculpture, dance, painting, etc.
From the local artist to those in the media, art is everywhere! The artist is the one who uses his creativity and his sensitivity to move the public and lead them to reflection, or to record important moments in the history of a country.
How to celebrate and honor our artists?
The best way to celebrate and honor our artists is to honor art. Many activities can be done on that day and, of course, on other days of the year. You can create an itinerary dedicated to the arts and go with your friends or family.
Visiting an exhibition or the collection of your city's museum, going to a theatrical show, the circus or a musical festival are just some of the examples of how to enjoy this day and value regional art.
Many cities also have cultural centers, and there is no shortage of different activities, within their schedules, for all tastes. Why not go to a concert for the first time? Or support a freelance writer by buying their book? You might be surprised at what you find!
Currently, we can also support artists through digital media. Following the social media pages of that little artist you admire, for example, is a way to increase his reach and make your art reach a greater number of people.
around the world
In addition to National Art Day, all over the world, we celebrate World Art Day, every April 15th. The date was set by the International Art Association (IAA), in partnership with UNESCO, in 2012, in order to raise awareness of the importance of art worldwide.
The creation of the date is a tribute to the birth of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the main painters of the Italian Renaissance. In addition to being a painter, Da Vinci was an inventor, scientist, sculptor, architect, botanist, poet and musician, and is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.
In addition to his genius and the legacy he left in the most different types of art, Leonardo da Vinci also said that “Art says the unspeakable; expresses the inexpressible; translates the untranslatable”, defining very well the importance of art as a form of communication between peoples and as a form of human expression.
During the time when people were secluded in their homes, during the covid-19 pandemic, for example, we saw how art was one of the strategies used by people to overcome moments of loneliness and anxiety, through music, dancing, movies, reading, painting, etc.
We cannot live without art. A day to honor her is just one of the ways to value her. We know that even with the protection of Spanish cultural heritage being guaranteed by law, in practice, there is not always a fair investment for the artistic sector.
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In this way, take advantage of National Arts Day to learn more about Spanish cultural activities, so important for the formation of our culture and for the development of our society!
