The Big Draw (formerly known as The Campaign for Drawing ) was launched in 2000 by the Guild of St George, a small charity, to commemorate its founder, the great Victorian writer, philosopher and artist, John Ruskin. An independent visual literacy charity since 2006, The Big Draw still upholds Ruskin's belief that drawing helps us to understand and see the world more clearly.

Drawing is a means of obtaining and communicating knowledge - John Ruskin

The Big Draw raises the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement. The Campaign has created a new regard for the power of drawing to help people see, think, invent and take action.

Its long-term ambition is to change the way drawing is perceived by educationalists and the public. This has won support from leading practitioners in the creative industries and in art, architecture and design colleges, signalling an overdue realisation that drawing is fundamental to the training of students in these disciplines.The Big Draw takes a wider view. It sees drawing as a basic human skill useful in all walks of life.

Our work will finish when the words 'I can't draw' are dropped from our vocabulary.

Read more on The Big Draw's projects and mission.