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Recognizing April 15, 2026 as World Art Day in the City of Philadelphia, and celebrating the creativity, innovation and cultural diversity of the city’s fine arts.
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WHEREAS, World Art Day is celebrated globally on April 15 every year. April 15 is Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday and this day serves as a tribute to his contribution to the arts and sciences, to help reinforce the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of diversity of artistic expressions, and highlight how contributions of artists are vital to development; and
WHEREAS, World Art Day was established by the International Association of Art (IAA), a non-governmental organization that works in partnership with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote awareness of creative activity worldwide, foster the development of cultural diversity, encourage international cooperation, and recognize the importance of art in culture, sustainable development, and education; and
WHEREAS, Art is a tool for expression, healing, protest, and unity. Arts education creates opportunities for youth, helps to support local artists through equitable funding and visibility, and acknowledges how art uplifts underrepresented voices, especially Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and disabled artists; and
WHEREAS, The theme of World Art Day 2026 is "A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art” to emphasize that art is not only a personal endeavor but also a shared experience that brings people together. It encourages communities to explore creativity collectively, and like a garden, artistic expression can grow, flourish and enrich society when nurtured collaboratively; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia boasts a rich artistic legacy, and is particularly known for its vibrant public art scene, including sculptures, murals, as well as its history as a hub for Black artists and music. The first public art museum, art school, and first public library was built in the city. The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) was founded in 1805, it is the longest continuously operating art school and museum in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The city of Philadelphia has a storied history of artistic excellence, serving as inspiration and home to many distinguished and influential artists, including Cesar Viveros, Michelle Angela Ortiz, Roberto Lugo, and Symone Salib, who have contributed to the city’s vibrant public art scene, fostering community engagement, transforming our urban landscapes, and promoting social justice through art; and
WHEREAS, Cesar Viveros has made powerful contributions to Philadelphia’s public art through murals, mixed media installations, clay, performance, and projects that celebrate Mexican heritage, indigenous roots, immigrant stories, belonging and community, addresses gentrification, celebrates the Day of the Dead annually, and deepens community work through the Iglesias Garden; and
WHEREAS, Michelle Angela Ortiz centers immigrant communities and human rights through her organizing and work as a visual artist who makes documentaries, public art projects, and murals; and
WHEREAS, Roberto Lugo, a Kensington native, elevates marginalized histories as a ceramicist, poet, social activist, and educator whose ceramics blend classical forms with graffiti and hip-hop aesthetics work bridges high art and graffiti to highlight themes of poverty, inequality, and racial injustice. His work was most recently included in the PMA show The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure; and
WHEREAS, Symone Salib uses vibrant, colorful portraiture and empowering language to brighten Philadelphia’s streets as a muralist and street artist known for celebrating BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to some of the largest public art programs in the country, thanks to initiatives like the Percent for Art Program and Mural Arts Program, and we are known as the “Mural Capital of the World.” The arts are not only a reflection of our city’s soul, it is a vital part of its economic, social, and educational fabric; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes April 15, 2026 as World Art Day in the City of Philadelphia, and celebrating the creativity, innovation and cultural diversity of the city’s fine arts.
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