Role of Art in the Olympics

Pierre de Coubertin believed that sport was an aesthetic experience for both athletes and spectators alike. He conceived of the modern Olympic Games as a spectacle that would demonstrate the harmony that existed between sport and art. He called this ideal "eurythmie".

In May 1906 Baron de Coubertin organized a meeting in Paris for both IOC members and representatives of artists' organizations. The meeting ended with a proposal to the IOC to organize artistic competitions at the Olympic Games in five areas - architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. The works of art that were entered had to be inspired by sports.

The Modern Olympic Games became distinguished as a modern spectacle where fine art and folk art merged aesthetically with a large international sport competition. Host cities shared their distinctive cultural heritage with international visitors.

Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games from 1912 until 1948. Medals were awarded for art inspired by sport in the five categories mentioned along side the medals awarded in athletic competition. These juried art competitions were, however, abandoned in 1954 because artists came to be considered 'professionals', while Olympic athletes were required to be 'amateurs'.

Since 1956 the 'Olympic Cultural Program' has taken their place. Art festivals are held all over the Olympic host cities every four years. Unfortunately, the media never mentions them.

Since I learned about this aspect of the Olympics, I have begun adding Olympic stamps that feature art in connection with sport to my collection.