Each year on 15th April, communities around the world come together to celebrate World Arts Day, a day that honours the vital role of the arts in culture, society, and education. It is also a moment to reflect on the deep connections between art, freedom, and diversity. The date was chosen in tribute to Leonardo da Vinci, whose birthday falls on this day, and who is celebrated as the symbol of freedom of expression and peace.
The theme for this year’s World Arts Day, “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art”, invites us to think about how the arts help grow connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
In the spirit of this theme, pupils at RSJ came together in the Quad to take on the World Arts Day Challenge. Divided into small pods, pupils were each assigned a famous artwork to reinterpret, armed only with chalk and an hour to complete their creation on the pavement. What emerged was a stunning patchwork of colour, collaboration, and creativity: a living tribute to some of the world’s greatest artists and the joy of making art together.
This hands-on, collaborative activity captured the essence of the day: art as a shared language, a joyful challenge, and a powerful way to connect with each other and with the world around us.
At RSJ, we are proud to nurture not just artistic skill, but also artistic spirit, encouraging our pupils to explore, to take creative risks, and to collaborate meaningfully. World Arts Day offered a beautiful moment to pause, create, and celebrate all that the arts bring to our lives and our community.
Here are some highlights from the day, showcasing our pupils’ final imaginative creations:
