International Arts Education Week, 25 – 31 May 2020
Article published on 25-05-2020
The cultural and creative industries are among the fastest growing sectors in the world. With an estimated global worth of 4.3 trillion USD per year, the culture sector now accounts for 6.1% of the global economy. It generates annual revenues of US$ 2,250 billion and nearly 30 million jobs worldwide, employing more people aged 15 to 29 than any other sector. The cultural and creative industries have become essential for inclusive economic growth, reducing inequalities and achieving the goals set out in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
The adoption of the
2005 Convention for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions was a milestone in international cultural policy. Through this historic agreement, the global community formally recognised the dual nature, both cultural and economic, of contemporary cultural expressions produced by artists and cultural professionals. Shaping the design and implementation of policies and measures that support the creation, production, distribution of and access to cultural goods and services, the 2005 Convention is at the heart of the creative economy.
Within the framework of the 2005 Convention, the General Conference of UNESCO proclaimed the fourth week of May as International Arts Education Week. It was marked for the first time in 2012, and UNESCO’s partners, governments, educational institutions, private sector and members of civil society engaged in projects and activities that underlined the force of art for dialogue, social cohesion and peace. Arts education is one of the keys to unlock the potential of culture and cultural diversity in shaping new paths to peace and sustainable development.
The National Commission of Romania for UNESCO is delighted to mark the International Arts Education Week 2020, in a pandemic context in which our resilience is being tested! Now, more than ever, we need culture. And now, more than ever, we need to support artists, severely affected by the global crisis, and ensure access to culture for all.
Throughout this week, we will introduce you to artistic expressions aimed to enhance and balance the intellectual, emotional and psychological development of individuals and societies.
Keep up with our articles for this International Arts Education Week here!
