The International Association of Art (IAA) [Association Internationale des Artes Plastiques (AiAP)]

The International Association of Art was born in Beirut in 1948 at the Third General Conference of UNESCO when the director was charged with discovering “what obstacles of a social, economic, or political order lay in the path of artists in the practice of their art.” The IAA became an independent organization in 1954 and declared a UNESCO partner. Its membership is spread over five continents divided into four regions (Latin America, Europe-North America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab States). There are now more than 100 member organizations. The Los Angeles chapter is IAA’s first in the United States. Artists such as Miro, Braque, Delaunay, Moore, Calder, among many others, have contributed to the growth of the group. At its core, the IAA is all about freedom of expression, artists’ rights and the role of the artist in society.

World Art Day

In 2012 the IAA created World Art Day to recognize the profound importance of art to inspire and enrich the lives of all human beings. That has never been more important than now. Engagement in the arts helps us forge new social connections, enriching our lives and expanding our perception of the world around us. The date of April 15 was chosen to honor Leonardo da Vinci, recognized as a champion of freedom of expression, tolerance and brotherhood. Leonardo is also celebrated for works that elegantly illustrate the influence of art on a wide range of human endeavors.