World Art Day: ‘Art stimulates creativity, fosters personal growth’

Kohima, April 15 (EMN): Keeping in view the significance of art education, World Art Day was celebrated on Saturday with students taking part in a painting competition on the theme ‘art education’ at Coraggio School in Kohima.

The event was organised by Artists of Nagaland, presented by Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) in collaboration with three schools — Coraggio School, Model Higher Secondary School and Modern Higher Secondary School.

Chairman of TaFMA, Theja Meru said ‘it is art that makes life exciting and brings joy to both young and old. It brings life, colours and brings history’.

He added that artist can take anything and create something beautiful, and that is the power of art.

Maintaining that the field of art can offer so much, he encouraged the students to continue to grow the hobby of making artworks in their life.

He also informed that TaFMA is dreaming big for artists in Nagaland and expressed hope to conduct art residency, exchange programmes, capacity buildings etc.

Art and Drama educator and founder of Artists of Nagaland, Cynthia Kolakhe said World Art Day is an occasion to provide art in modern education to various students, with a creative outlet that can improve their problem-solving skills. They learn how to think outside the box and explore topics in an unconventional way, she added.

“Some of the topics are often difficult to teach in the classroom, such as emotions, time and space. These types of concepts are easier to understand when paired with art”, she said.

She added that just like Mathematics or Science, Art requires regular practice to stimulate creativity, inspire confidence, knowledge and foster personal growth. This also helps students to boost academic performance, more concentration in the classroom, increases capacity for leadership and enable them to work as a team in the classroom or even when with the family.

She encouraged schools to allow art education as one of the important subjects.

Annie Konthoujam, Headmistress of Coraggio School, Kohima said the day is to promote the development, proliferation, and appreciation for art. It is a medium through which artists communicate their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives, and also allows viewers to connect with their visions and interpretations of the world around them.

“In essence, art is at the very heart of everything we do—from how we prepare a meal and decorate the house, to how we express ourselves when we dress and speak”, she said.

Yano, a class 8 student of Coraggio School won first place. Kumtsumong Limkhiungkhiungru of Modern Hr. Sec. School won second while Esther of Coraggio School won third place.