International Day of Islamic Art
The International Day of Islamic Art was proclaimed at the 40th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2019 and takes place every year on 18 November. It aims to raise awareness of past and contemporary artistic expressions of Islam, and the contribution of culture through Islamic Art to civilization.
The worldwide celebration of the International Day of Islamic Art not only encourages the appreciation of Islamic art, which has inspired other artistic movements, but also contributes to cultural diversity, freedom of expression, protection of cultural heritage and inter-cultural dialogue. Marking the Day is also a way to foster tolerance between peoples and support cultural rapprochement, both of which are possible through the power of art.
The diversity of Islamic art reflects its variety throughout time and geography. It is also rooted in fruitful encounters with different cultures, different traditions and different techniques which have taken place in the past, and which continue to take place in the present. Islamic art is constantly being revisited and reinvented; it comprises countless art forms, from calligraphy to dance and from ceramics to music to metalwork.
Message from the Director-General - UNESCO
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