Art, Friendship, and The Wonder of Colour

Mon 21 Oct

"I am always glad to take part in A Letter in Mind. The cause feels quite important for lots of reasons." - Chantel Joffe

"I make more effort because of the democracy and accessibility of it." - Ishbel Myerscough

Renowned artists and long-time friends Ishbel Myerscough and Chantal Joffe share their thoughts on participating in The National Brain Appeal’s A Letter in Mind exhibition.

Spotlight on St Albans Museums

Mon 05 Feb

Consisting of St Albans Museum and Gallery and Verulamium Museum, St Albans Museums offer something for art and history buffs alike. The Museum and Gallery offers a mix of contemporary art, touring exhibitions and historical displays which celebrate the city's cultural heritage. And on the former site of the Roman city of Verulamium, you’ll find Verulamium Museum, which will transport you back in time to Roman Britain with its impressive collection of artefacts and
reconstructions. We caught up with Learning and Engagement Officer, Caroline Wilkins, to chat all about the museums and their Big Draw events. 

Spotlight on Kapow Primary

Mon 20 Nov

Kapow Primary is an online platform that provides schools with engaging lesson plans and CPD for teachers. In this blog post, we sit down with one of Kapow Primary's art specialists, Suzanne Booth, to delve into the significance of art in a child's education and how Kapow are working to make creativity accessible for all, with some creative ideas for the classroom sprinkled in along the way. 

Spotlight on The National Portrait Gallery

Wed 15 Nov

We spoke to the National Portrait Gallery's families programme manager, Emma Chiplin, about her favourite portrait in the gallery, the role of drawing in museums what they got up to for their Big Draw event.

Spotlight on Tees Valley Museums

Mon 09 Oct

Boasting an extensive collection of art, archaeology, social, industrial and maritime history, Tees Valley Museums is a consortium of museums based in the North East of England. This year, the Museums are bringing The Big Draw to their venues with an exciting programme of family workshops and activities. We spoke to Children & Young Person Officer Heather Minto, about Tees Valley's Big Draw, the joy of museum learning and their exciting new Young Producers project.

Drawing with Senses at The Open College of the Arts

Mon 02 Oct

The Open College of the Arts is an open access provider of creative higher education courses. From short courses and foundation courses to degrees, The OCA's distance learning programme aims to give people from all walks of life an opportunity to develop and express their creative talents. This year, we are so excited that The OCA a special (free!) Big Draw short course, inspired by our theme Drawing with Senses. Read on for our chat with Joanne Mulvihill-Allen from the college all about sensory art and their fab new course!

Meet the artist: Christopher Samuel & A Letter in Mind

Tue 26 Sep

A guest blog post from The National Brain Appeal, sharing the inspiring story of multi-disciplinary artist Christopher Samuel who will be taking part in the charity's A Letter In Mind exhibition this October.

The Power of Pictures: Interview with Ed Vere

Tue 29 Aug

“…All children are artists and they only stop being artists if they stop believing they are… We lose an important medium of self-expression when we stop drawing.” 

Ed Vere is an award winning writer and illustrator of Children’s books, including titles such as Max the Brave, How to be a Lion, Banana, and Mr Big. His new book, The Artist, is a “love letter to creativity” that aims to give confidence to young artists (and older ones too!). Alongside his books, Ed Vere is an advocate for arts education and is the co-creator of the CLPE programme ‘Power of Pictures’. Read for an inspiring and insightful chat about picture books, live jazz drawing and the importance of creative confidence. 

Creativity, Community, Collaboration: Spotlight on Inspire

Mon 07 Aug

An interview with Lucianna Gallucci from Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries where we chatted about the importance of collaboration, their Big Draw events and their recent award wins.

Drawing with Type: Interview with James Cook

Mon 24 Jul

In this sneak-preview from our Drawing with Senses Mini Mag, we chatted to typewriter artist James Cook about the inspiration and process between his unique art style.

Colourful Creations and Big Friendly Giants

Tue 16 May

We spoke to Mollie Barden to find out more about the 2022 Big Draw celebrations at The National Trust's Knole House, packed with events and a special exhibition with The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, working with local artists. 

Derwent and The National Trust

Fri 28 Apr

Over 2022, Derwent launched The Riverlands Collection, five sets of pencils created in collaboration with the National Trust.

This is a special Big Draw Festival article devoted to Derwent, friends and supporters of The Big Draw Festival. 

Exploring Drawing In Education: Spotlight on The Aga Khan Academies

Mon 17 Apr

An interview with Antoinette Blaine from The Aga Khan Academies, a network of international schools across Kenya, Mozambique, Bangladesh and India. We caught up with Antoinette about their amazing celebration of art that took place as part of The Big Draw Festival: Come Back to Colour. 

Art All Around the World: Spotlight on Hauser & Wirth

Mon 20 Feb

We spoke to Briony Brickell from Hauser & Wirth about their brilliant 2022 Big Draw events, which took place in 8 galleries around the globe!

Your Sketchbook is Full of Creative Inspiration

Tue 14 Feb

"Drawing and sketching in a sketchbook is a great way to record ideas and thoughts. Your sketchbook can also be a source of creativity to motivate and inspire you in the future"

Written by Andy McNally, freelance illustrator, artist, and lead design consultant in UX/UI, this article explores the core ways Andy develops his creative process and uses his sketchbook. Part of The Big Draw + Concepts App Events Series.

Announcing The 2020 and 2021 Big Draw Festival Award Winners!

Wed 18 Jan

We are very excited to announce the winners of the 2020 and 2021 Big Draw Festival Awards! Every year, The Big Draw Festival Awards celebrate drawing and creativity without borders. 7 Prizes are awarded to organisations, individuals and schools worldwide who demonstrate the vital role of drawing as a tool for communication, innovation and inclusivity as part of The World's Biggest Drawing Festival.

Travels and Community: Interview with ArtGecko

Tue 08 Nov

We caught up with Natasha, Content Creator for ArtGecko, who have returned as a Sponsor-Partner for The Big Draw Festival for this year. Natasha shared the teams international adventures, some artistic exploration and all the news from ArtGecko HQ!

Drawing with Dance: Interview with Takeshi Matsumoto

Fri 21 Oct

Takeshi Matsumoto is a renowned dance artist, who is collaborating with Inspire Libraries for their 2022 Big Draw Festival events. We spoke to him about the collaboration, his artistic practice and how dance can help spark creativity.

The Power of Everyday Creativity: Spotlight on The Mercury Shopping Centre

Fri 21 Oct

We talked to Natalie Bays from The Mercury Shopping Centre about their upcoming events, the importance of creativity within the community and their partnership with local cultural organisation Havering Changing.

A Celebration of Women in the Arts: Spotlight on The Courtauld

Mon 17 Oct

We caught up with Leyla Bumbra from The Courtauld and had a conversation about their upcoming Big Draw event, some of the brilliant women artists that they have in their collection and the importance of drawing in museums.

Creativity, Community and Culture: Spotlight on Otterpool Park

Tue 11 Oct

Otterpool Park is a new garden town that’s currently being planned in Kent, with a focus on sustainability, community and creativity. We spoke to the team at Otterpool about their Big Draw events, and how creativity is at the heart of their project.

Drawing and Exploring at a London Landmark: Spotlight on St Paul's Cathedral

Fri 07 Oct

An interview with Charlie Rowbotham from St Paul's Cathedral, talking about how drawing can help us look closely, upcoming events at the Cathedral, and golden pineapples. 

'Every picture has a story to tell':Spotlight on The Story Museum

Thu 29 Sep

An interview with Ameneh Enayat, a producer at The Story Museum, chatting about the museums immersive galleries, the exciting events that they have coming up and the role of images within story telling.

Bugs, Bees and Well-Dressed Fleas: Spotlight on Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Mon 26 Sep

We catch up with Carly Smith-Huggins from the Oxford Universiry Museum of Natural History and find out about the museum, their amazing collection and the exciting Big Draw events that they have in store this Autumn. 

Take a line for a lie-down: A Conversation with Paula Knight

Mon 22 Aug

"Much creative discourse is framed within non-disabled modes of thinking...I'd like to introduce the idea of taking a line for a lie down - even more laid back than taking one for a walk! I tend to think of lines as lying on a page or surface."

Paula Knight was an illustrator for over 15 years and has been bedridden since 2018. Since 2017, she has taken photos to document how she sees the world, from wheelchair to 100% bedbound living in one room. 

Drawing to Think: A Conversation with Dr Curie Scott

Wed 22 Jun

"Drawing helps in different ways. As a displacement activity, it reduces our focus on pain and negative thinking. There is a greater freedom, and joy too, in making a mark not tightly bound by rules."

Dr Curie Scott is an academic, a lecturer and an artist. Her research has led her to explore intuitive drawing, the process of doodling or mark-making without a plan or idea in mind. 

View From Above: A Conversation with Niall Guite

Mon 16 May

"I feel very proud that I can show that there are possibilities and things can be exciting and positive... I want to continue raising the profile of people like myself and challenging ideas, promoting inclusivity and social change." 

Niall Guite is a basketball gold medal winner at the Special Olympics, and an artist. To raise money in lockdown, Niall drew over 100 football stadiums around the world - and now counts Grayson Perry among his fans! 

Interview with Damian Parker

Mon 02 May

"Always have an openness to your teaching. I will always tell students that we are learning together and never claim to know all the answers."

Damian Parker is an Apple Educator and Head of Faculty at St Cyres School in Penarth, Wales. In this interview, Damian talks about his approach to technology in visual literacy and student learning. This article is brought to you in collaboration with Concepts App.

Drawing with icing: A conversation with Chef Mark Perkins

Tue 15 Mar

"As a Pastry chef, the connection with food and art is very relevant. People eat with their eyes so creating something that looks attractive, tastes great and is creative, is what I strive to achieve." 

We had a conversation with Chef Mark Perkins about his Art Afternoon Tea inspired by the work of prominant figures in art history as well as his interactions with the vibrant art scene in London.

Interview with Chillida Leku - Hauser & Wirth

Fri 04 Feb

"...the role of culture today is perhaps more necessary than ever, and museums and galleries play a fundamental role. Art and culture remain very powerful and potent means of communication."

The Big Draw Festival 2021: Make the Change was another roaring success for Big Draw Organisers across the globe, and we wanted to catch up with a few of our Sponsor Partners to hear all about what they got up to...

Drawing partners Inspire and LANDING

Fri 04 Feb

"The Big Draw is such a great charity – it goes way beyond the act of drawing – it brings people together"

The Big Draw Festival 2021: Make the Change was another roaring success for Big Draw Organisers across the globe, and we wanted to catch up with a few of our Sponsor Partners to hear all about what they got up to...

5 Keys to Better Sketchnoting

Tue 01 Feb

'I use the phrase “Ideas, Not Art” because it reframes your perspective from “I can't draw gallery-ready artwork” to “I can draw in a simple way that communicates ideas.”'

Mike Rohde is an author, visual thinking teacher, book illustrator, and designer. In this article, Mike talks about his visual approach to capturing ideas, called "sketchnoting'. This article is brought to you in collaboration with Concepts App. 

#MaketheChange: Interview with Lincoln University

Fri 28 Jan

"I think Visual Literacy, like any form of language, develops and evolves the more we use it and explore the boundaries of what is possible to communicate through drawing."

The Big Draw Festival 2021: Make the Change was another roaring success for Big Draw Organisers across the globe, and we wanted to catch up with a few of our Sponsor Partners to hear all about what they got up to...

#MaketheChange: Interview with Walt Disney Family Museum

Mon 24 Jan

"The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to be flexible in an ever-changing world. Moving virtually has provided much more opportunity for flexibility than we had prior to the pandemic."

The Big Draw Festival 2021: Make the Change was another roaring success for Big Draw Organisers across the globe, and we wanted to catch up with a few of our Sponsor Partners to hear all about what they got up to...

Interview with Artgecko Sketch

Wed 15 Dec

"At Artgecko Sketch; we make all our products using materials from responsible sources, high quality whilst being affordable so that our products are easily available to any artist at any ability (without having to navigate stuffy ‘artsy fartsy’ lingo)."

We couldn't wait to catch up with Gemma, Marketing and Brand Manager for Artgecko Sketch, to find out more about what they got up to for #MaketheChange and why their sketchbooks are so darn good!

Interview with Steve Sinnott Foundation

Fri 10 Dec

"Lack of education, and therefore opportunities, is something we are passionate about changing. We believe that Education is a human right for all children, it should not matter where they were born, who they were born to or their gender"

It was a treat to catch up with Ann Beatty, CEO of The Steve Sinnott Foundation, to find out more about the important work they do and how they have celebrated The Big Draw Festival #MaketheChange...

The Creative Journey

Fri 12 Nov

"I see the artistic process as that of unravelling the essence of our journey here, uncovering the truth about ourselves... but there's more than one way of uncovering"

Thierry Alexandre's performance work has taken them across Europe, from renowned theatres to remote rural locations. In this article, Thierry shares their creative journey, their exploration of form and medium and the emotional connection to art, creating art and being a source of artistic inspiration. 

The 2020 Sunday Times Watercolour Competition winner, Mark Entwisle, on The National Brain Appeal

Mon 25 Oct

The National Brain Appeal is the charity dedicated to improving the outcome and quality of life for the one in six people affected by a neurological condition. In this article, Marie Mangan, PR Manager at The National Brain Appeal, tells us about Mark Entwisle and why he supports The National Brain Appeal's A Letter in Mind exhibition.

Harry Potter and Star Wars art director, Oliver Roberts, on The National Brain Appeal

Tue 19 Oct

The National Brain Appeal is the charity dedicated to improving the outcome and quality of life for the one in six people affected by a neurological condition. In this article, Marie Mangan, PR Manager at The National Brain Appeal, tells us about Oliver Roberts, one of the artists taking part in A Letter in Mind who is also a patient at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

The Model Speaks!

Mon 04 Oct

"I disrobed and waited for the ridicule. But in its place was the realisation, only a few seconds in, that I was absolutely necessary to the process."

Roy Joseph Butler is an actor, writer and art model. In this article Roy talks a bit about the relationship between artist and subject, giving a fascinating insight into the indispensable role of the art model.

Be the Change: Interview with Amber Butler

Tue 28 Sep

"I just hope that I can continue to spread awareness, support causes that are close to my heart, encourage others, continue to be compassionate and be unapologetically me."

Amber is an Illustrator, Artist, Activist and recent graduate working in Luton. We were so excited to catch up to talk all things creativity and activism, and find out about what's in store for her Big Draw Festival event with the Courtauld...

Interview with the Courtauld

Tue 21 Sep

"Apart from having a wonderful time every year we take part in The Big Draw Festival, we also love having the opportunity to showcase our collection of drawings."

The Courtauld Institute of Art is the world's leading centre for research into art history, conservation and curating. This is the third year in a row that the Courtauld have taken part in The Big Draw Festival, and we were very excited to catch up with Leyla Bumbra to find out a bit about what's in store for their #MaketheChange events. 

Artistic Insight into Blind Faith

Tue 10 Aug

Blind Faith, a visual anthology of Black and Brown Trans stories in the UK, is a collaborative piece of visual archiving where stories were shared and developed between the storytellers and myself, the illustrator, to create four visual stories.

Read more about how each piece has been uniquely created and materialized through illustrations that represented the words and ideas being shared. 

Written by the artist, blkmoodyboi

The Beautiful Lives of Black and Brown Trans people in the UK

Tue 27 Jul

“...despite the loss that we, through the generations, have experienced, we still find ways to create beautiful things and to have beautiful lives”

It was wonderful to catch up with blkmoodyboi to talk about Blind Faith, and find out more about their heritage and inspiration. They also shared greater insight into their experience navigating their identity as a non-binary trans person of colour within the artistic world.

Finding my way: Interview with Natalie d’Arbeloff

Mon 26 Jul

"At my age I could be looking back at the results of a steady evolution but the opposite is true: I feel I’m only at the beginning of finding ‘my way’."

Natalie d’Arbeloff is a painter, printmaker, book-artist, cartoonist and writer - a true polymath! We were excited to get a chance to catch up with Natalie and find out a little more about her life and work.

Galvanising Architecture : Interview with Architect Thorsten Deckler

Tue 13 Jul

"I like to use drawing as a form of self-therapy; It helps me feel like I have done something creative, just for myself."

Architect Thorsten Deckler is striving to make architecture a more inclusive, accessible and ultimately more aware practise. We were very excited to catch up with Thorsten to find out more about his life and practice...

Representation, family and collaboration: An interview with the 18 Hey You! Illustrators

Tue 22 Jun

Hey YouI is an urgent and inspirational message of hope, addressing the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, and providing hope for the future. We couldn't be more excited to be bringing you an interview with all 18 of the brilliant illustrators behind Hey You!.

Comics, fairytales & gender bias: Interview with Karrie Fransman

Mon 31 May

"We want it to shine a light and disrupt the gender binaries hidden in the language and narratives of the stories we've been telling our children for generations."

Karrie Fransman is a graphic novellist, visual storyteller and comic creator. We couldn't wait to catch up and talk more about her life, work and love of comics.

Art therapy: 7 creative pastimes to help you slow down and refocus

Mon 17 May

As our calendars fill up, we typically fail to prioritise or make time for creative pastimes - despite them being essential to leading a well-balanced life!

For Creativity and Wellbeing week we've highlighted some wonderful and affordable creative pastimes that we find perfect for slowing down and recharging…

Interview with Bird & Blend Tea Co.

Tue 20 Apr

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is an independent, award-winning tea company on a mission to spread happiness & reimagine tea! 

Bird & Blend have kindly donated complimentary tea bags (in some incredible flavours!) for all of our Big Draw Organisers in 2021. We couldn't wait to have a little chat with Mike and Kristi to find out more about the company - so pop the kettle on and discover more about their journey, and what they're all about...

Interview with Peng

Mon 12 Apr

"If you learn to think creatively, then you can transfer that to all areas of life."

Over several decades teaching in schools and art colleges, Austrian cartoonist Peng has developed expert knowledge of the building blocks of drawing and sketching. We were excited to catch up with Peng and find out a little bit more about his work and why he believes that drawing should be accessible to all...

Digital Residencies 2021

Tue 06 Apr

The Big Draw is looking for proposals for three digital residencies to be delivered in or across May and June 2021. These residencies are open to all artists, and The Big Draw want to encourage applications from immigrant and diaspora artists, artists who identify as LGBTQIA or as disabled in the broadest terms. We are looking for challenging, engaging and intriguing works in any discipline and/or medium, both digital and physical, to respond to our 2021 Big Draw Festival theme, Make the Change. 

How to Frame Art

Mon 29 Mar

Let's face it, framing art is an art in itself - and it can be a real hassle! To take some of the stress out of the process, we spoke to Adam at Jealous Gallery, whose knowledge and expertise in this area far exceeds our own...

Read on for some of his top tips on how to frame your beloved pieces effortlessly and effectively - as well some insight into how best to hang your art, and even how to package it!

Interview with Posy Simmonds

Tue 02 Mar

"It’s true that society expects women to behave themselves…they are certainly more interesting to write about when they don’t."

Compared to the likes of Austen, Elliot and, most frequently, Thomas Hardy (upon whose work her own books are closely modelled), Posy is an astute modern satirist, combining words and visuals in her storytelling to mock and condemn the British middle-class.

Artists and Freelancers go FREE

Mon 01 Mar

Here at the Big Draw, we want to make sure that independent artists can access support and opportunities as much as possible, and host events and workshops encouraging creative engagement and artistic development. 

This means that, for the second year in a row, the individual organisers fee for The Big Draw Festival 2021 will be waived. 

The Alternative NHS: 'Natural Health Service'

Tue 19 Jan

"...outdoors is a powerful antidote to the confines of our urban existence, our fast-paced almost frantic lives, and is a natural thing to do – it’s an innate calling."

Mark Christie is a Sports Lecturer at the University of Cumbria, Sponsor Partners for The Big Draw Festival 2020. Here he explores the many extraordinary health benefits, both mental and physical, of connecting with nature and the outdoors! Have you reconnected with nature since the first Covid-19 lockdown?

Drawscapes: Engaging Communities Through Online Sketching

Sat 19 Dec

Among this year's #BigGreenDraw Sponsor Partners, we were thrilled to welcome PhD researcher, Eduardo Rico-Carranza, with his research project: Drawscapes.

Drawscapes is an EPSRC funded, theoretical research project based on the UCL extension on the site of the Olympic Park, UCL EAST. The the aim of the project is to learn more about online collaborative design. Here, Eduardo tells us a little more about himself and his project, Drawscapes, and how you can get involved!

Interview with Hauser & Wirth

Thu 17 Dec

"Galleries are places that inspire and educate through art but we also have a responsibility to the planet and are constantly considering the ways we can adapt our working methods and daily activities in light of this."

We are delighted to have Hauser & Wirth on board as Sponsor Partners for The Big Draw Festival 2020, A Climate of Change. Here we caught up with Debbie Hillyerd to find out more about the Gallery and their Big Green Draw events...

Interview with Mel Northover

Mon 14 Dec

"When we’re moved by a work of art an emotional, often physical connection is made, and whilst we may all react differently, encountering great art is a shared experience that not only challenges our perceptions but can bring people together from all walks of life and from across all kinds of cultural differences."

We were delighted to get a chance to chat with Mel about her creative practice and the role of drawing in her life and work...

Interview with Jess Kemp, Silk Painting Artist

Mon 07 Dec

Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries is a proud delivery partner on a Landscape Partnership scheme called Miner2Major. The scheme, supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, encourages local communities to get involved in projects that celebrate the diverse wildlife, important habitats and rich heritage of Sherwood Forest. This year Inspire, Miner2Major and artist Jess Kemp have been working together to deliver a fabulous Big Draw project in Nottinghamshire...

Interview with Steve Little, Scheme Manager, Miner2Major Landscape Partnership

Tue 01 Dec

Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries is a proud delivery partner on a Landscape Partnership scheme called Miner2Major. The scheme, supported by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, encourages local communities to get involved in projects that celebrate the diverse wildlife, important habitats and rich heritage of Sherwood Forest. This year Inspire, Miner2Major and artist Jess Kemp have been working together to deliver a fabulous Big Draw project in Nottinghamshire...

Interview with Kapow Primary

Mon 23 Nov

"Education and learning are so interwoven and getting things wrong is critical to learning. When we make mistakes we can analyse how and where we went wrong to then be able to understand something at a deeper level."

We caught up with Sponsor Partners, Kapow Primary, to find out a little more about this extraordinary educational publisher and their Big Draw events this year...

Interview with Coventry University

Mon 16 Nov

"If you aren’t making mistakes, you aren’t trying anything new. True creatives are passionately curious and are magpies of information that can feed into their craft... we should embrace getting ‘things’ wrong - it’s how we grow!"

We caught up with Lindsey from Coventry University to find out a little more about the University, their Big Draw events, and her thoughts on visual literacy, happy accidents and the power of drawing...

Interview with Suffolk Archives

Thu 29 Oct

"Archives can tell us who we are as human beings... They can show us how individual lives are turned upside down by wars and plagues, how life was lived by the rich and the poor, and help us to reflect on how we want to shape the society we live in today and in the future."

We were thrilled to catch up with Suffolk Archives, Sponsor Partners of The Big Green Draw Festival.

Interview with the National Archives

Mon 26 Oct

"I think art has a really important role in bringing about change. It allows people to express their opinions and communicate this with others. Archive documents prove this..."

The National Archives is the official archive of the UK government, where the collection spans over 1,000 years of documents. We are thrilled to have them on board as Sponsor Partners for this year's Big Draw Festival #ClimateofChange.

Interview with the Bank of England Museum

Fri 23 Oct

"In a post-lockdown world I think [Museums and Galleries'] roles will expand into refuge spaces - whether that’s physical or virtual – where people can escape their daily lives, be entertained, and try to make meaning of the changing environment around them."

We were so excited to catch up with the Bank of England Museum, Sponsor Partners of The Big Green Draw Festival.

Interview with The Walt Disney Family Museum

Sun 18 Oct

"The Big Draw is a fun, creative way to spread the word and get our audience involved in thinking about sustainability, both while creating art and operating in our daily lives."

The Walt Disney Family Museum (WDFM) presents an inspirational journey through the life of Walter Elias Disney. We were thrilled to steal a few moments with Tracie Timmer to find out a little more about what's in store for their #BigGreenDraw...

Interview with Venantius J Pinto

Wed 14 Oct

"You are drawing with your hand, but your entire body becomes eyes. The thing is, whether you are using a brush or a pencil, the way you use it assists you in that learning process. It’s the realization of, “Ah, this is what it is.”

We are very excited to shine a light on the story of the incredible Art Director, Designer, Illustrator and Chef, Venantius J Pinto and share his meaningful story with our audiences.

Interview with Biggs Museum of American Art

Mon 12 Oct

"Understanding and appreciating art is such an integral part of society as a whole... Drawing attention to its presence and helping people understand that there is no wrong way to look at art can help them appreciate the world around them in a deeper and more connected way."

Biggs Museum of American Art Museum houses one of the finest collections of American fine and decorative arts. It was great to catch up with Kristen to find out more about the Museum and what's in store for their #BigGreenDraw.

Interview with Willie Watt

Mon 28 Sep

"The simple act of drawing together makes architects think collaboratively in 3 dimensions, which ultimately positively reinforces the way everyone works together as a team."

Architect and Masterplanner Willie Watt has always been passionate about drawing. However, after years of utilising drawing as an essential tool at his practice, drawing for pleasure had begun to fall by the wayside... Until October of last year.

Interview with Rachelle Romeo

Wed 23 Sep

"I believe that creativity whether it is drawing, dance or spoken word can really enhance your mental wellbeing... I can share my experiences through word and thread which embeds my turmoil and turns it into something...beautiful. Seeing all your pain being transferred into beauty is a great thing..."

Rachelle Romeo is a London-based artist who uses embroidery and thread amongst other mediums to convey powerful messages about heritage and identity. 

Interview with Emily Coxhead from The Happy Newspaper

Tue 22 Sep

"The Happy Newspaper is something that people look to to provide a sense of comfort and positivity amongst the chaos... Now more than ever we all need to come together. Our strength and kindness will get us through, I’ve no doubt."

Emily Coxhead is a designer and illustrator who is passionate about making the world a happier place! We were so excited to catch up with Emily and find out a little more about her, her work and The Happy Newspaper...

CareUK & Sherwood Grange

Mon 14 Sep

“Many people think that once you’ve moved into a care home, your life is kind of ‘over’... really, a whole new wonderful chapter of your life is just about to start!”

We are taking you all back to an incredible Big Draw event that took place in October of last year at Sherwood Grange care home - it is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. 

Interview with Paul Majek

Mon 17 Aug

"It was beautiful to see how drawing is a way of being able to manifest and create everything you want. That’s the most important thing, to know that with drawing, you can create anything."

Paul Majek is a talented artist with a unique and powerful story to tell. He's just finished his Foundation Year at The Royal Drawing School and is off to Ruskin School of Art at Oxford University this autumn. Read more about his practice and passions in our interview with him.

Interview with Anna Bruder

Mon 10 Aug

"...if facts are to be heard they need to be made into engaging stories and compelling images that capture attention and resonate with ways that people make sense of their world. This is why drawing and activism go hand in hand."

Anna Bruder is an artist, theatre designer, prop maker and creator of the brilliant, A Line Art. We were thrilled to chat with her about her practice, what drawing means to her and a bit about how the lockdown has affected her life and work. 

Interview with The Courtauld Institute of Art

Tue 04 Aug

"...we all have a duty to tell the stories that are hidden, to make people feel welcome and actively include more voices in the decision process of exhibitions and interpretation."

The Courtauld Institute of Art is the world's leading centre for research into art history, conservation and curating. We were very excited to catch up with Leyla Bumbra to find out a bit about what's in store for their #BigGreenDraw...

Interview with Shantell Martin

Mon 27 Jul

"Drawing was what it always has been for me, it grounded me, and it really helped me to stay focused. You can get so distracted and discouraged but if you stay committed and disciplined and trust the process, there is so much growth to experience when you dive into the unknown." - Shantell Martin

Interview with The National Brain Appeal

Mon 20 Jul

The National Brain Appeal is the charity dedicated to improving the outcome and quality of life for the one in six people affected by a neurological condition. Alongside funding pioneering research and providing access to the best technology for expert diagnosis and treatment, the charity also runs an annual art fundraising campaign, A Letter in Mind.

Interview with Juliette Losq

Tue 14 Jul

"It’s been interesting, through the lockdown, to see how many people have turned to art as a means of getting through... it seems to imply a psychological need for making that, perhaps, has not been fully recognised."

Juliette Losq is an internationally exhibited, prizewinning artist whose work seeks to describe the borderlands on the fringes of urban developments, capturing the benign battles waged between man and nature.

Interview with Russell Walker

Fri 03 Jul

"...sport and drawing are very much linked, both are creative acts and performances... By drawing images about our favorite sport it allows us to enter that sport and enjoy the feelings that we have about it."

Russell Walker is an award winner illustrator, designer and educator. We were very excited to steal a few moments with Russell to find out more about his life and work, and hear all about his World Shapes Football League Project...

Interview with Mandy Barrett

Tue 30 Jun

"Our children are now naturally more creative in every lesson. The use of sketchbooks has also changed the way our children work in other lessons too. A sketchbook gives children the chance to explore and develop in an individual way."

Why should more schools incorporate sketchbooks? Find out in this interview with Art Teacher and Sketchbook Advocate Mandy Barrett.

Interview with Emily Haworth Booth

Fri 26 Jun

"I use drawing as a kind of activism through illustrating stories, and then using those stories as a way of starting a conversation... [and stimulating] discussion and action about the climate crisis."

Emily Haworth Booth is an author-illustrator and educator with a passion for dogs and direct action! We were thrilled to catch up with Emily and find out all about her creative process, her influences, her passions and more...

'Extinct Boids' by Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levi

Wed 24 Jun

A brief #LockdownLibrary overview by Mychael Barratt.

Throughout this period of lockdown, London-based painter and printmaker Mychael Barratt has been taking us all on a daily adventure through the plethora of art books in his newly alphabetised book shelves. One review in particular caught the attention of The Big Draw team: a brief overview of the book 'Extinct Birds Boids' by Ralph Steadman and Ceri Levi.

Interview with Brenna Quinlan

Mon 22 Jun

"Artists and other creatives have such a wide ability to spread messages through their networks, and to encourage new and exciting ways of viewing issues and information."

Permaculture illustrator, educator, mover and shaker; Brenna Quinlan strives to make the world a better place through her art and actions. She uses drawing as a tool to speak about permaculture and the importance of living sustainably.

10 best creative books to clear your mind during lockdown

Wed 17 Jun

This period of lockdown has given many of us time that we never previously had. Whilst many see this as a blessing, it's this excess time - particularly thinking-time - that has left so many of us feeling overwhelmed...

We’ve compiled a list of ten books with our friends over at Pavilion Books that are perfect for unlocking your creativity, giving your mind a much-needed break, and grounding you at the end of a day of screens, news and thinking-time.

Drawing for Picture Books with Emma Lazell

Fri 05 Jun

"...because it comes naturally, there is so much more passion in the characters. So the most important lesson I learnt is that drawing should come as naturally as handwriting, and cannot be forced."

Emma Lazell is a UK based illustrator and author of children's books. Here Emma gives some fascinating insight into the world of illustration, and her own process and experience of drawing for picture books.

Chengdu: China's "Creative Green Park City"

Mon 01 Jun

儿童节快乐 Happy Children’s Day! As a celebration of Children's Day in China, we have taken some time to speak with Kam Panesar, the co-founder of Urban Hybrid Architecture (UHA), and our Big Draw Ambassador in China.

Creativity & Wellbeing with Artist Jessica Palmer

Tue 19 May

"Keep trying things out until you find a medium or a process which feels right in your hands and works with your imagination... Your sense of touch as an artist is hugely important and sometimes underplayed... I have seen time after time how confidence can grow as individuals find their own mode of self-expression, pace and tools..."

Interview with Marigold the Maker

Thu 30 Apr

"We all have an innate need to create. I’m happiest when I allow myself to create and be led by my creative flow and energy. It’s also my life line, I can’t really be without it... It makes me feel more alive than anything else."

Marigold the Maker is an artist with a passion for teaching skills through digital courses and workshops. We caught up with her before her #BigGreenDraw online drawing challenge throughout the month of May!

Interview with Emma Stibbon RA

Wed 22 Apr

"Drawing is central to my way of seeing the world, and I think it’s probably my first language."

We are so excited to announce Emma Stibbon RA as The Big Draw's newest Patron! Emma is an artist who works primarily in drawing and print on paper, often working in situ depicting remote and hostile environments that are changing rapidly including the High Arctic and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Interview with Octavia Bromell

Fri 17 Apr

Octavia Bromell is a brilliant illustrator, mental health advocate and current Adobe Creative Resident for the UK. We are super excited to have her join The Big Draw as a 2020 #ClimateOfChange Ambassador. We recently caught up with Octavia to hear about her colourful illustrations, digital events advice and passion for wellbeing through creativity. 

Introducing, The Green Man!

Mon 13 Apr

Gary Andrews, our spectacular Ambassador has whipped up another memorable character. We're pleased to introduce you to, The Green Man! A hunky eco-friendly character who will be sharing his best social distancing and lockdown tips through The Big Draw social media channels during April... Come meet him!

Animal Creations for Kids with Narinder Sagoo

Thu 02 Apr

Our wonderful Patron, Narinder Sagoo, has been making productive use of this period of lockdown with his kids! He has created and beautifully illustrated some step-by-step creative activities for all of the family to enjoy, using recycled egg boxes, milk cartons and various other objects that you're likely to find in your home.

Interview with Vicky Philips, Lightship Print Shop

Mon 02 Mar

"I wanted to showcase this beautiful green and lush world we live in, something so valuable and precious -the only planet out there like it that we know about! It is down to us to stand up and protect it now before we lose everything or change it beyond recognition. All the animals, birds and insects I have drawn for the logo and supporting illustrations are endangered or threatened species."

Interview with Millie Marotta

Fri 28 Feb

"Humanity is at a crossroads, there are things that we can all do to make a difference for the better. Highlighting the way we live today and the impact we have on the natural world, and acting on that, is essential for safeguarding the future for wildlife and the environment."

Interview with Emma Martin

Tue 21 Jan

Emma Martin is an artist and creative lead based in Manchester who runs a project called Building the Bridge which aims to tackle 'poverty of experience' by creating large-scale art projects. Although she's run Big Draw Festival events for years, she's just joined The Big Draw as our first Schools Ambassador! 

We caught up with Emma to hear about her vision for the new role as well as her relationship with the city of Manchester; it's schools, residents, and cultural assets.

Interview with Kethi Copeland

Tue 21 Jan

"Drawing is one of the key tools I use to generate new ideas or gain a fresh perspective on a problem, creative or otherwise... I find it quite calming to sit and draw and the slowness of it gives me understanding of the subject."

Kethi Copeland is a visual artist specialising in creating screen-printed artwork for the home alongside colourful, quirky stationery to make people smile. We caught up with Kethi to find out more about her practice, and to get some advice on working in the creative field...

#DrawnToLife interview with the Open College of the Arts

Tue 14 Jan

"Engaging in the arts allows you to process your thoughts, ideas and emotions, make sense of them or escape them. It is a universal language we can all understand."

We caught up with Joanne Mulvihill-Allen to hear about some of the successes of The Open College of the Arts' Big Draw online course, some of the difficulties they overcame and to find out more about the college itself.

#DrawnToLife interview with National Archives

Fri 29 Nov

"I think getting a bit messy and creative is good for the soul, and hopefully our event made people feel differently about archives as a place they could come along to and do something unexpected."

Shikha and Emily told us all about their work and why visual literacy plays a key role in the world of archives and historical documents...

#DrawnToLife interview with Norfolk Museums Service

Thu 21 Nov

"We often talk about a drawing being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, about it looking like the thing it was meant to look like, or not. I think the first thing we need to do is address this language and challenge it."

Norfolk Museums Service [NMS] ran an ambitious and exciting programme of Big Draw events throughout October. Daniella Hadley, Events and Visitor Programme Officer at Norfolk Museums Service, kindly took some time to catch up with The Big Draw team after the many successes of their Big Draw events. 

#DrawnToLife interview with University of Lincoln

Thu 31 Oct

"The ability of drawing to transcend spoken language and culture makes it an extremely effective communication tool which we all respond to. Visualising ideas can communicate so much more than words alone..."

We were lucky enough to steal a few moments with Brian Voce, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln’s College of Arts, to find out more about this year’s events at the University, as well as his opinion on the importance of drawing, visual literacy and more!

#DrawnToLife interview with the National Justice Museum

Sat 19 Oct

"Mark making and crafting lines, responding freely or noticing and exploring details is the perfect way of connecting people with people within the museum spaces. Visitor drawings instead of ‘more labels’ enables people to connect emotionally with objects and each other."

We caught up with Simon Brown and Andrea Hadley-Johnson from the National Justice Museum, to hear more about the Museum, their involvement with The Big Draw, and the healing powers of art...

#DrawnToLife interview with artsdepot

Wed 16 Oct

"Drawn To Life' underpins a lot of our work at artsdepot. We believe that participating in creative projects, and seeing your own creativity yield results is one of the most direct ways to build confidence and resilience – two key pillars of health and wellbeing". 

We catch up with artsdepot as they prepare for the return of their ever popular half-term Big Draw Festival events!

#DrawnToLife interview with University of Hertfordshire

Tue 08 Oct

"By investing in the next generation of makers and creators, we encourage continued high standards, research and innovation in the creative sector to be able to compete on a global scale."

We are thrilled to have caught up with the team from University of Hertfordshire to find out all about their Big Draw plans, and the power of drawing and visual literacy...

#DrawnToLife interview with the Henry Moore Foundation

Mon 07 Oct

"...we should follow in the footsteps of Moore, who was a firm believer in the importance of drawing as a daily exercise. He used drawing as a means to look at sculpture and to develop ideas for new work."

We're thrilled to be stealing a few moments with Sebastiano Barassi, Head of Collections & Exhibitions at the Henry Moore Foundation and curator of The Art of Seeing exhibition, to find out more about the importance of drawing, the great outdoors, and the Henry Moore Foundation's plans for this year's #DrawnToLife events!

#DrawnToLife interview with Royal Collection Trust

Wed 02 Oct

"Getting creative in a relaxing and friendly environment can certainly be fundamental to improving our health and wellbeing."

We were thrilled to chat with Simone Torry to find out more about their incredible packed programme of events for #DrawnToLife throughout October!

#DrawnToLife interview with Claire Collison

Wed 25 Sep

"I love the way The Big Draw advocates for drawing as process, not product - slow and analogue - a form of mindfulness - a way of understanding the world and our relationship with it that bypasses logic and reason. These are all qualities I want to reflect in my work."

Claire Collison is a writer, an artist and a breast cancer survivor. Since deciding not to have reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy in 2014, Claire has been asking, 'Why are thousands of women like me hidden'? 

#DrawnToLife interview with Walt Disney Family Museum

Tue 24 Sep

"Learning from your mistakes is the only way any of us can grow, both artistically and as humans. There are happy accidents in the creative process—sometimes a mistake may turn into a new art technique, or maybe you end up liking the mistake better than your original idea."

The Walt Disney Family Museum's Big Draw event is fast approaching, and we were thrilled to steal a few moments with Tracie Timmer, Senior Public Programs Coordinator at WDFM.

#DrawnToLife interview with the Nova Scotia Museum

Sun 22 Sep

"From natural scientists, to doctors, engineers and architects, we all use drawing in our professional life to study, create and discover new things about our world."

We are thrilled to be catching up with Tim Fedak, Curator of Geology at the Nova Scotia Museum, to talk all-things-drawing, and the role of 'Drawn to Life' in the Museum's programmes...

#DrawnToLife interview with City of Toronto Museums

Fri 20 Sep

"There are so many universal conditions about our humanity yet we do not all have the same journey and therein lies the opportunity that is realized through the sharing on an art practice."

We caught up with Cheryl Blackman in the lead up to their fantastic events to find out more about Toronto's History Museums, their plans for Drawn To Life, and the power of the pencil...

#DrawnToLife interview with Snite Museum of Art

Wed 18 Sep

"We believe that every single person has creativity within them, whether they recognize it or not. They only need the encouragement and the chance to explore it."

This is Snite Museum of Art's second year taking part in The Big Draw Festival! After the huge successes of last year's events, we were excited to catch up with Sarah Martin to find out all about what the Museum has planned for The Big Draw Festival 2019 to satisfy your creative itch.

#DrawnToLife interview with Inspire: Culture, Learning & Libraries

Thu 29 Aug

"I think The Big Draw festival themes - and the open way you can creatively adapt ideas each year to tackle something that’s right for your space or audience - makes The Big Draw perfect for any community or Library space."

Inspire has been taking part in The Big Draw Festival for a few years now, with each year bringing unique and - indeed - inspiring events to the Nottinghamshire community! We’ve loved catching up with Big Draw Festival organiser Helen Ackroyd, Libraries & Culture Manager at Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries.

Primary Self-Care: A Week of Drawing for Wellbeing in School with Sarah Buckett

Fri 23 Aug

"Encouraging children to reclaim drawing as their own and empowering them to disregard aesthetic judgement is hugely valuable for their creative development and general wellbeing."

In June, Sarah was welcomed to St Gregory's Catholic Primary in Chorley to run a series of Big Draw workshops with both staff and pupils. After an incredible week spent drawing, collaging and encouraging everyone to dismiss their fears of mistakes and failure, Sarah was inspired to share her story...

#DrawnToLife interview with Guildford Borough Council

Tue 20 Aug

"This year we are exploring the theme 'Drawn To Life' by providing the opportunity for people of all ages to come together and take part in fun and accessible arts activities that they may not otherwise have the chance to do."

Guildford Borough has been taking part in The Big Draw Festival since 2012 - and each year their events engage hundreds of people to come together and celebrate creativity in all its forms! We were lucky to catch up with Hannah Dix to find out more about what's in store for this year's Big Draw Festival 'Drawn To Life' in Guildford...

#DrawnToLife interview with The Courtauld Institute of Art

Wed 14 Aug

"I have never believed that there is such a thing as “bad” art or “bad” drawing... In challenging the concept of “bad” and “good” and allowing people to express themselves in a supportive environment I genuinely believe we go further in disrupting the confines of conventional art history and art practices that have dominated western art for centuries."

We are thrilled to be catching up with Leyla Bumbra to hear all about the Courtauld Institute of Art and their involvement in this year's Big Draw Festival!

#DrawnToLife interview with BABEL (in collaboration with Nail On The Wall Collective)

Mon 22 Jul

"Written and spoken languages have their importance, but languages are also permeated with social and cultural divides, and limited by often traditional notions of politeness, right or wrong, etc. We believe that visual literacy can not only trigger faster communication and expression, but it can also liberate us from communication constraints."

#DrawnToLife interview with Mispillion Art League

Mon 15 Jul

"We at the Art League firmly believe in the power of art to heal and uplift individuals and entire communities."

The Big Draw Festival 2019 is picking up the pace, and as Big Draw co-creators across the globe unite in their passion for creativity, we catch up with the people behind the #DrawnToLife projects coming your way. We are thrilled to be catching up with Rosemary Connelly from the Mispillion Art League, who will be disclosing the vital role of creativity on our heads and our hearts...

#Ruskin200 Interview with Clive Wilmer

Sun 07 Jul

"In particular, Ruskin valued drawing as a discipline that helps us to see things – and truly to see something is also to understand it, to see into it – see what it does, what it is for, what it means…. It was mainly to revive this aspect of Ruskin’s teaching that the Guild in 2000 founded he Big Draw". - Clive Wilmer, Master of Ruskin's Guild of St George

#DrawnToLife interview with Ilan Galkoff

Mon 24 Jun

We are thrilled to have been able to catch up with one of our newest Big Draw Ambassadors, Ilan Galkoff. For as long as he can remember, Ilan has always had a love for creative things - from the performing arts, to illustration and more. We were lucky to steal a few moments with Ilan to hear more about what he's been up to, and what's in store...

The Big Draw Festival 2018 Award Winners!

Tue 11 Jun

The Big Draw is thrilled to announce the winners of the international Big Draw Festival Awards 2018/19. The Big Draw Award winners have been selected by a distinguished jury from a shortlist of projects that took place as part of Big Draw Festival 2018 celebrating ‘Play’. Every year, The Big Draw Festival Awards celebrate drawing and creativity without borders.

#ThingsThatSparkJoy: The series by Gary Andrews

Mon 03 Jun

Gary recently received a couple of our new and exclusive Pink Pig sketchbooks branded with the official #DrawnToLife Festival logo. After asking his online following for a little inspiration as to what to do with these beautiful new sketchbooks, he got cracking on an incredible new series entitled 'Things That Spark Joy', celebrating all of life's blessings both big and small, and putting them down on paper for all to enjoy...

Director of The Big Draw, Kate Mason, speaks out about living with OCD.

Wed 08 May

"None of us are robots and we all experience stresses and challenges in our lives. We all could be a little kinder to ourselves and others."

The Big Draw Director, Kate Mason, was encouraged by our Festival theme #DrawnToLife and Mental Health Awareness Week to share her own personal story of living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

The Power of Drawing: interview with Liz Fosslien

Wed 24 Apr

"Drawing is the closest thing I have to a meditative practice... Creating art is a beautiful way to calm down while still doing something active with your body and mind."

We are thrilled to have caught up with Liz, co-author and illustrator of No Hard Feelings and Head of Content at Humu, to hear more about her new book, and how drawing has long been a way for her to process her thoughts and feelings.

The Big Draw Meets: Sophie Adderley

Sun 07 Apr

[The CPD] was a fantastic, eye opening session that I would recommend to anyone... we forget actually how big and broad the STEM vs. STEAM debate reaches and it certainly doesn’t end in the classroom.. but it does start there."

We loved catching up with Sophie Adderley - a newly qualified teacher who we got chatting to at our CPD session for educators held at The Hepworth Wakefield in November 2018. 

#DrawnToLife interview with Sarah Buckett

Mon 01 Apr

"I love the way The Big Draw speaks passionately about the value and importance of drawing without being condescending or elitist. There is such a strong message of encouragement and inclusivity that fits perfectly with my own philosophy and approach."

We loved catching up with Sarah Buckett about her life and work as a freelance artist, and founder & co-ordinator of 'Can’t Draw Club', her experience taking part in The Big Draw Festival as an individual organiser, and her love of drawing!

#DrawnToLife interview with The Mercury Mall

Fri 29 Mar

"I have come to realise over time how important being calm and reflective is to your health and your efficiency in work and life too... I would say that it is visual arts and drawing that grounds me and destresses me when I need it."

This year will be The Mercury Mall's second year taking part in The Big Draw Festival. We are thrilled to have been able to catch up with Natalie Bays, and hear her opinion on the importance of drawing in everyday life, and the role that creativity plays in The Mercury, as well as in our development and wellbeing.

#DrawnToLife interview with Gary Andrews

Tue 12 Mar

"You only have to look at cave paintings to see that as a species we are primed to be creative in some way. The very act of creating or expressing is a kind of release… a valve to let out pent up feelings. Putting those feelings on paper de-mystifies them, let’s them out into the world."

We catch up with one of our newest Ambassadors, Gary Andrews, to discuss his life and work as an animator and illustrator, and how he uses his 'Doodleaday' diary as an outlet for his emotions after the death of his wife, Joy.

#DrawnToLife interview with Liz Atkin

Wed 27 Feb

"Art... is a life-enhancing way to connect to our imagination, express and explore what we experience, how we see and perceive the world around us and within us, and it is a resourceful healer."

We catch up with one of our newest Big Draw Ambassadors, Liz Atkin, to talk all about her incredible work as an artist and advocate for mental health, and about the therapeutic effect that drawing has had on her own battles with anxiety and compulsive skin picking.

#Play 2018 Spotlight on Dehong Chinese International School

Thu 06 Dec

"At Dehong, we value the power of play and the positive impact it has on young learners... if the students are engaged and enjoying a lesson, they are naturally motivated and learning."

We were thrilled to catch up with Lorraine Brett and find out more about Dehong International School, its philosophies, heritage and involvement with The Big Draw Festival!

#Play 2018 Spotlight on The University of Lincoln

Sat 17 Nov

"It’s vital that we all work hard to encourage and develop young people’s creativity"

This year was The University of Lincoln’s third year taking part in The Big Draw Festival. We are thrilled to have been able to catch up with Brian Voce, and hear his opinion on the importance of drawing in everyday life, and the role of Play and creativity in education, development and wellbeing.

#Play 2018 Spotlight on Aust-Agder County

Wed 31 Oct

"...art opens up for your own creativity which in itself enhances the learning processes... It is vital that our future generations believe in their ability to make a difference."

We were thrilled to catch up with Anne Mari Graver and find out more about "The Cultural Rucksack", Aust-Agder County’s involvement with The Big Draw Festival, and her views on the importance of drawing and visual literacy!

#Play 2018 Spotlight on Centraal Museum

Thu 25 Oct

"Being visually literate in a world more and more saturated by images is very important. As a curator of contemporary art, the reading and understanding of the meaning, history and impact of an image is of great importance."

The Big Draw Festival 2018: Play has been bringing people around the globe back to the drawing board for some weeks now! We were lucky enough to steal a few moments with Centraal Museum just in time before their final Big Draw workshop!

#Play 2018 Spotlight on The National Gallery of Art Washington DC

Tue 23 Oct

"By encouraging an understanding and appreciation of art we’re also encouraging critical thinking, building empathy, and teaching visual literacy skills that can then be applied to all other aspects of life."

We are thrilled to be catching up with Sherri Williams, the National Gallery’s Manager of Community Programs, to talk drawing, visual literacy, and the role of Play in the Gallery's programmes...

#Play 2018 Spotlight on Liverpool Hope University

Mon 22 Oct

"We are committed to championing the arts and creativity; it is essential that universities continue this role particularly in the face of hostile markertisation."

We’re thrilled to be stealing a few moments with Liverpool Hope University, ahead of their #TheBigDraw event on the 23rd of October.

#Play 2018 Spotlight on The National Portrait Gallery

Thu 18 Oct

"Our artists always emphasize that there’s not a right or wrong way to create art. For our younger and older family visitors alike this ensures their imaginations can run free and not be too bound by conventions – our offer provides opportunities to let loose in a supported way, take inspiration and express their own creativity."

The Big Draw interview with Juno Rae, Families and Young People's Programme Manager at the National Portrait Gallery.

#Play 2018 Spotlight on Shakespeare's Globe

Wed 17 Oct

We’re thrilled to be catching up with The Globe’s Access Manager, David Bellwood who will be disclosing the vital role of drawing in both unveiling the mysteries of the bard’s original stomping ground on Bankside and its vital role in the output of these world renowed playhouses today.

Shakespeare’s Globe will be hosting their Big Draw Festival events during half term 22 – 26 October in their exhibition space and will be playing with character design.

#Play 2018 Spotlight on Bletchley Park

Mon 15 Oct

As the home of British code breaking and birthplace of modern information technology, Bletchley Park was vital to the ultimate Allied victory in World War Two. Learn all about Bletchley Park's fascinating history, and find out more about their fantastic upcoming #TheBigDraw Festival events... 

#Play 2018 Spotlight on The British Museum

Mon 15 Oct

Since the founding of The Big Draw in 2000, The British Museum has taken part every year in The Big Draw Festival, opening its doors to anyone and everyone wanting to unleash their creative sides. This year, The British Museum’s #TheBigDraw event, taking place on Saturday 27th, takes inspiration from the current exhibition I object: Ian Hislop’s search for dissent and will therefore be drawing on the themes of satire, subversion and of course… Play!

#Play 2018 Spotlight on The Museum in the Park

Fri 12 Oct

Here at The Big Draw, we are thrilled to announce that Museum in the Park will once again be taking part in The Big Draw Festival! Last year was a wonderful success (and we have a sneaky suspicion that this year will be even better!) This year’s event ‘Grow Yourself a Drawing’ promises an exciting and creative approach to exploring the Museum's galleries, collections and stunning grounds.

#Play2018 Feature: Spotlight on Inspire: Culture, Learning & Libraries

Thu 11 Oct

"Before anyone learns to read they learn to read pictures, and picture books are the gateway to developing readers for pleasure that will forever value books and the free access a library offers". 

The Big Draw interview with Helen Ackroyd,  Principal Arts Officer at Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries

#Play 2018 Feature: Spotlight on Snite Museum of Art

Thu 11 Oct

“In my experience, the only bad drawing is the one that never leaves your mind…that you deem to be impossible before you even start. We get a lot of people saying, “I can’t even draw a stick figure.” 

The Big Draw interview with Sarah Martin, Curator of Education: Public Programs, Snite Museum of Art

#Play2018 Feature: Puppets, Pencils and Play! Interview with Dave Goelz

Thu 11 Oct

"I’ve had the privilege of being paid to play for forty-five years, and I’m still going. I believe play keeps you young”.

Interview with Dave Goelz with thanks to The Walt Disney Family Museum

Puppets, Pencils and Play! Spotlight on The Walt Disney Family Museum

Mon 08 Oct

The Big Draw Festival 2018: Play is well underway! As Festival co-creators across the globe work on the finishing touches for their Big Draw events we catch up with the team at The Walt Disney Family Museum to talk Puppets, Pencils and Play and their incredible packed events programme for #Play2018 on Saturday 13 October!

#play2018 Spotlight on Stourhead National Trust's Big Draw

Thu 04 Oct

The Big Draw Festival 2018: Play is officially in full swing! As Festival co-creators across the globe work on the finishing touches for their Big Draw events we catch up with the team at Stourhead, National Trust, to talk fantasy landscapes, the ‘painterly eye’ and the importance of play…

#play2018 Spotlight on Guildford Borough's Big Draw

Tue 02 Oct

The Big Draw Festival 2018: Play is officially in full swing! As organisers across the globe work on the finishing touches for their Big Draw events, we take a closer look into the return of Guildford Borough’s Big Draw which launches on 7 October with an exciting array of creative and playful workshops for all the family...

Celebrate The Big Draw Festival with Today at Apple

Thu 27 Sep

Today at Apple will run 108 sessions as part of The Big Draw Festival across 8 flagship stores in cities across the globe.

Spotlight on Tamworth Arts and Events!

Tue 25 Sep

The Big Draw Festival 2018: Play is on the horizon, and as organisers all over the globe prepare their events for your drawing pleasure, we chat to The Big Draw Co-creators putting their personal stamp on #Play2018! 

We catch up with the Big Draw Award winning Tamworth Arts & Events to see how they plan on topping last year's prize winning Big Draw....

Ivan Harbour to be announced as Patron of The Big Draw

Tue 18 Sep

Senior Partner at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and Stirling Prize winning architect Ivan Harbour, is to be announced as the newest patron of visual literacy charity, The Big Draw, on Saturday 22^nd September 2018.

Brace yourselves Italy #TheBigDrawFabriano is coming...

Wed 12 Sep

On the weekend of 15 and 16 September some Big Draw Magic will be stirring in Milan, Italy…

Spotlight on The Big Draw Festival 2018 Nijmegen!

Thu 23 Aug

The Big Draw Festival 2018: Play is on the horizon, and as organisers all over the globe prepare their events for your drawing pleasure, we chat to the artists, architects, designers, scientists, educators and Big Draw Co-creators from all over the globe - giving the possibilities of drawing a new lease life this autumn as part of their Big Draw Festival events. We are thrilled to be catching up with ambitious Big Draw Festival Nijmegen organiser Anita Waltman, for her tips on putting on a show stopping Big Draw and to find out a little more about beautiful Nijmegen...

The Big Draw Festival 2018 Launch Partners Announced

Tue 14 Aug

Art in Liverpool and National Museums Liverpool will join The Big Draw as launch partners of The International Big Draw Festival 2018, it has been announced, today.

Announcing The Big Draw Festival 2017 Award Winners!

Tue 05 Jun

The Big Draw is thrilled to announce the winners of the international Big Draw Festival Awards 2017/18. The Big Draw Award winners have been selected by a distinguished jury from a shortlist of projects that took place as part of Big Draw Festival 2017 celebrating ‘Living Lines’, and we announce the winner of the very first People's Choice Award!

The Big Draw meets... Mercury Mall

Thu 22 Mar

In the first of our #Play2018 Big Draw Festival organiser interviews, we are thrilled to be talking to the team at The Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford!  

We caught up with Natalie Bays, The Deputy Centre Manager, who explains why shopping centres are the perfect place to get crafty…

Play 2018 Inspiration...The Big Draw meets Anna Bruder

Wed 14 Mar

Narinder Sagoo becomes newest Patron of The Big Draw

Mon 06 Nov

Narinder Sagoo has been announced as the new patron of arts education charity, The Big Draw, during its global, month-long festival celebrating visual literacy and the universal language of drawing.

The Big Draw meets... Gloucester Cathedral!

Wed 01 Nov

The awe-inspiring space of Gloucester Cathedral was host to a week long Big Draw Festival event in October half-term this year, entitled The Cathedral Colouring-In Challenge.  Find out more in our interview!  

The Big Draw meets... Royal Collection Trust!

Wed 01 Nov

We spoke to Royal Collection Trust about the inspiring events they ran at three sites in October:  Windsor Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Buckingham Palace!

Narinder Sagoo sketches animated letter to become The Big Draw's newest patron

Tue 31 Oct

Narinda Sagoo sketches an animated acceptance letter to become the newest patron of The Big Draw.

The Big Draw meets...Soong Ching Ling International Kindergarten

Tue 24 Oct

Soong Ching Ling International Kindergarten is a Chinese school that has taken part in The Big Draw for a few years running.  We wanted welcome them into the fold of our new Sponsor-Partners, ask them a little bit about themselves and their mission, touching on their history, their humanitarian efforts, and more!  

The Big Draw meets...Peabody Essex Museum!

Fri 06 Oct

We are thrilled to be catching up with our friends across the pond: Peabody Essex Museum, Massachusetts as they prepare for their epic 1-day Big Draw Festival 2017: Living Lines takeover on Monday 9 Oct, encompassing everything from stop motion animation workshops to a GIF photo booth!

The Big Draw meets... Tamworth!

Wed 04 Oct

Tamworth Arts & Events' very first Big Draw Festival is all about drawing in unusual spaces, with unusual materials! From electrical tape and UV paint in bus stops and shopping centres... this is not a #LivingLines17 event to miss!

The Big Draw meets...Rijksmuseum

Tue 03 Oct

As they join The Big Draw Festival for the fourth year, we are thrilled to steal a few precious moments with Rijksmuseum, Netherlands, ahead of their Big Draw Festival 2017 events. We talk drawing to help understand art, why wonder isn't just for kids and why you should make your mark in museums!

The Big Draw meets... The Albertina Museum Vienna

Fri 29 Sep

We talk to the iconic Albertina Museum in Vienna about their one million artwork strong collection, drawing in museums, learning from their visitors, and what they think Bruegel would have made of The Big Draw’s 2017 Living Lines theme!

The Big Draw meets Andreas Deja Part 2

Wed 02 Aug

Andreas Deja’s career has to be one of the most impressive in the traditional, hand-drawn animation field. He worked with Disney from 1980 to 2011, most notably as Supervising Animator on characters from some of the studio’s most well-known features including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and Aladdin among many other important roles.  He is currently directing his own featurette Mushka.  He also maintains the Deja View blog, one of the most comprehensive love letters to animation history on the net. 

The Big Draw meets Andreas Deja Part 1

Wed 02 Aug

Andreas Deja’s career has to be one of the most impressive in the traditional, hand-drawn animation field. He worked with Disney from 1980 to 2011, most notably as Supervising Animator on characters from some of the studio’s most well-known features including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King and Aladdin among many other important roles.  He is currently directing his own featurette Mushka.  He also maintains the Deja View blog, one of the most comprehensive love letters to animation history on the net.

Introducing 'Representing Biology as Process'

Wed 19 Jul

Big Draw patron Gemma Anderson has recently embarked on a three year project at the University of Exeter. The project aims to explore the role of drawing in microbiology and why the process of drawing has been on the decline within the field. 

Living Lines with Francis Quinn

Wed 19 Jul

We spent the day with creative baking superstar and Big Draw patron Frances Quinn. Read on to find out what we got up to!

The Big Draw meets Eastbury School part 2

Wed 19 Jul

Part two of our wonderful interview with Jennifer Higginson from Eastbury School. Here we talked about visual literacy, the challenges facing art departments across the UK and much more!

The Big Draw meets Eastbury School part 1

Tue 27 Jun

The Big Draw talked to Jennifer Higginson - head of the Art Department at Eastbury School in East London - about the school's relationship with The Big Draw. Eastbury have organised loads of amazing Big Draw Events over the years many of them with Animation at the core!

WINNERS OF THE JOHN RUSKIN PRIZE 2017 ANNOUNCED

Wed 21 Jun

The winners of The John Ruskin Prize 2017 have been announced, today, by The Big Draw and the Guild of St. George during an award ceremony hosted by Museums Sheffield at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield.

The Big Draw meets Alex Evans

Fri 02 Jun

The Big Draw went to meet artist in residence at Tower Bridge Alex Evans. We chatted about his work, his resedencey, animation and of course The Big Draw and our message of visual literacy. We hope you are inspired by our interview with Alex!

Interview with Roger Beckett from Pintar Rapido - Europe's Biggest Outdoor Painting Festival

Tue 23 May

This year, Pintar Rapido will take place across London on July 29th and 30th, a celebration of painting which aims to get artists at all levels of experience to capture the spirit of their city across one day, with every piece produced at the festival going on public display at Chelsea Old Town Hall.

The Big Draw Talks to Quirky Pictures

Tue 11 Apr

We talked to Kim & Shaun from Quirky Pictures about all things animated and just how easy it is to startcreating your own animated work!

Jim Le Fevre Gives you Advice for The Big Draw 2017

Tue 11 Apr

We talked to artist, animator and all round lovely guy Jim Le Fevre. In this final part of the interview Jim gives you advice on how to organise a Big Draw event with animation at it's heart.

Jim Le Fevre on The Phonotrope™

Tue 11 Apr

We talked on artist, animator and all round lovely guy Jim Le Fevre about his wonderful invention The Phonotrope™. 

Jim Le Fevre on Visual Literacy

Tue 11 Apr

We talked to artist, animator and all round lovely guy Jim Le Fevre about Visual Literacy and why it is so important to his work.

Jim Le Fevre on Animation & Inspiration

Tue 11 Apr

We talked to artist, animator and all round lovely guy Jim Le Fevre about animation and what inspires him to keep creating wonderful animated work. 

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN - Living Lines: An Animated Big Draw Festival

Tue 21 Feb

Registration is now open to take part in the world’s biggest drawing festival, Living Lines: An Animated Big Draw Festival, from 1-31 October 2017.

The Big Draw Guest Blog: Celebrating 10 years of NEATEN

Tue 21 Feb

The Drawing Associates programme was originally launched in 2010 with great success. Starting in early 2017, our various associates around the country will begin implementing ideas, events and programmes to celebrate drawing in all its forms. Over the coming weeks the associates will be contributing to The Big Draw blog to highlight what they will be up to in 2017! 

Are Artists the new Polymaths?

Fri 20 Jan

As we open the John Ruskin Prize 2017 we ask: Where are all the polymaths?

Patron Bob and Roberta Smith awarded OBE

Tue 10 Jan

Patron of The Big Draw, Bob and Roberta Smith RA, will receive an OBE for services to the arts.

The Big Draw: Leeds Royal Armouries

Thu 08 Dec

We have a very special guest blogger, writing about her Big Draw Festival 2016 experience at The Royal Armouries, in Leeds. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Claudia....

The Big Draw....at The Rijksmuseum for STEAM 2016

Thu 27 Oct

An exhibition of recently discovered animal drawings by Frans Post was the inspiration for The 2016 Big Draw at The Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam.

Final Highlight Event: The Big Draw at Bletchley Park

Wed 26 Oct

2016's festival has been AMAZING. You've done some brilliant events, we've done some brilliant events..and whilst the fun doesn't have to stop here, this is our last of a series of highlights event for this year's festival. Come and see what'll go down at the remarkable estate of Bletchley Park this weekend....

The Big Draw Guest Blog: Hawkins\Brown Architect and School 21's Big Draw

Mon 24 Oct

This month Hawkins\Brown has been taking part in The Big Draw Festival with School 21 in Stratford. Here's what they got up to...

Cass Art Supports The Big Draw

Wed 19 Oct

We at The Big Draw is delighted to announce Cass Art as our new sponsors.

Big Draw guest blog from Portraits Untold

Wed 28 Sep

Today we have another wonderful guest blog from our fabulous new contributor Tanya Raabe-Webber. Here she talks about the importance of connecting with disabled artists via the live streams of her events.

Big Draw guest blog from Portraits Untold #STEAMSymposium

Wed 21 Sep

Fabulous artist and Big Draw ambassador Tanya Raabe-Webber shares with us some thoughts from her blog on the #STEAMSymposium at The Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

The Big Draw Talks To......Peter Haugh

Tue 13 Sep

We talked to artist, Peter Haugh, about the unusual path which lead to him becoming an artist...

GBBO ‘Designer Baker’ Frances Quinn to become newest Ambassador of The Big Draw

Wed 07 Sep

On Saturday 10 September, Designer Baker and previous GBBO winner, Frances Quinn, will be announced as an official ambassador of Britain’s pioneering arts education charity, The Big Draw, at a high profile STEAM event taking place at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

Introducing... Dr David Glowacki - Scientist, artist and cultural theorist!

Fri 02 Sep

On Saturday 10 September, Dr David Glowacki - Scientist, Artist and Cultural Theorist - will be taking centre stage at the STEAM Symposium: Laboratory of Visual Exploration at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art. Find out why we are so very excited that he will be joining us, and how you take part too...

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016: Nijmegen

Thu 01 Sep

Anita Waltman from Nijmegen in the Netherlands, talks about participating in and winning this year's International Big Draw Award.

The Big Draw talks to.....Eileen Adams

Mon 29 Aug

We talked to author, educator, consultant and researcher, Eileen Adams, about her tireless work to keep drawing in it's numerous forms, firmly in collective contiousness and on our curriculum.

A Visual Learning Adventure for Educators

Wed 24 Aug

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016: Sharp Lane Primary School, Leeds.

Tue 23 Aug

Meet Holly and Amelia-Jade, from Sharp Lane Primary. They want to tell you about their Big Draw.

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016: The Drawing Circus and The Booth Museum of Natural History

Tue 16 Aug

Jake Spicer of Brighton's Drawing Circus and John Cooper from the town's Booth Museum of Natural History, talk turkey about their Big Draw event from last year's festival

The Big Draw's guide to....Registering for a Big Draw Festival Event: The basics

Mon 15 Aug

Want to organise an event as part of The Big Draw Festival 2017?! Jolly good show! Here's a basic How-to guide to get you started.

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016: Oasis Cardiff

Wed 10 Aug

Oasis Cardiff's Mari and Huda talk about their Big Draw Festival event and the valuble work of the centre for refugee and asylum seekers in South Wales. 

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016: NEATEN & The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art

Tue 02 Aug

The ladies from NEATEN talk about their award-winning festival events and partnership with The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016: Ben Jonson Primary School

Tue 26 Jul

Ben Jonson Primary loved The Big Draw Festival and want to tell you about their experience.

The Big Draw meets: Divercity Arts Project

Wed 20 Jul

The Big Draw meets.....Kai Lutterodt and artists at London College of Communication involved in Divercity Arts Project.

Portraits Untold Blog: Masterclass and Briefing – National Portrait Gallery

Wed 13 Jul

Masterclass and Briefing – National Portrait Gallery

Teen 'Wonder-Cartoonist' Zoom Rockman is The Big Draw's Youngest Ambassador

Fri 08 Jul

15-year old Londoner, Zoom Rockman, has been writing, drawing and publishing his own award-winning comic The Zoom! since he was 8; he started working for The Beano! when he was 12, and has a monthly comic strip featuring his character, ‘Skanky Pigeon' - inspired by all the local Pigeons in his home town.

Portraits Untold Blog: The Big Draw Festival Awards

Mon 04 Jul

The latest instalment from artist, Tanya Raabe- Webber, whose initiative 'Portraits Untold'  'celebrates the diversity of our common humanity through a series of live portrait sittings with high profile sitters in well known venues, will take place this summer and autumn across the country.'

Introducing John Ruskin Student Prize Winner: Robin Sukatorn

Fri 01 Jul

Introducing Robin Sukatorn and the picture which has got everyone talking about him.

30 Day Drawing Challenge

Wed 29 Jun

The Big Draw Festival Awards 2016 North Yorkshire County Council Record Office

Wed 22 Jun

Why should you get involved in The Big Draw Festival?

Registration for 2016's Festival is open!

Thu 16 Jun

It's full STEAM ahead for #STEAMBDF16! 

The Big Draw Festival 2016 STEAM Logo Competition Winner

Tue 14 Jun

Today, we are delighted to announce our winner of The STEAM Powered Big Draw Logo Competition.

Announcing the Winners of The Big Draw Awards 2016!

Tue 24 May

The winners of the international Big Draw Awards 2016 have been announced! 

Sketching and Painting for Mindfulness

Wed 13 Apr

When life is tough, drawing helps you slow down and be mindful. Emma Kay tells us how drawing helps her with anxiety.

A Titanic Experience - The Big Draw in Belfast

Mon 25 Jan

There are few places as perfect to draw as Harland & Wolff, Belfast's iconic shipbuilding and offshore construction site. What better way to inspire the city than by showing how by drawing, imagination becomes reality. 

How Drawing Changed Children's Lives

Tue 08 Dec

Artist Stephen Waterhouse created an incredible drawing of the world from children's drawings. Kids who never thought they could draw came away 'buzzing'.

Drawing Goes Beyond Art

Wed 02 Dec

Big Draw patron Sir Roger Penrose shared his belief in the magic of drawing to communicate ideas. Roger uses drawing everyday to communicate Maths and Science.

The Big Draw at the Rijksmuseum

Wed 04 Nov

Until recently it was unusual to see people drawing as part of a visit to the Rijksmuseum, or other museums in the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam. During the Big Draw at the Rijksmuseum sketchbooks and pencils were distributed to up to 20,000 people, inviting them draw in the spaces and galleries throughout the museum and to experience art in a new way. 

Drawing The World (in the heart of London)

Thu 29 Oct

The Big Draw, University of the Arts London and House of Illustration brought thousands of people together to celebrate drawing and creativity.

Seeing Closer at the Royal Society

Tue 20 Oct

The Big Draw festival can be a beautifully simple way to communicate sciences to new audiences by utilising the links between science and art. The Royal Society recently hosted a Big Draw event for the second year running, but this time it was carefully themed on a 350 year old book and involved a much bigger programme of activities, involving many individuals and organisations working with the Royal Society.

Philip Pullman wants your questions

Fri 09 Oct

Ever wanted to ask Philip Pullman a question? On Oct 14 we've teamed up with BBC Get Creative so that you can.

Top science, media & architecture institutions support The Big Draw

Tue 15 Sep

This October, arts education charity The Big Draw, teams up with a record number of partners to create an extensive programme of free drawing events as part of its annual international festival, The Big Draw.

The World's First Printwitter!

Tue 15 Sep

What happens when traditional printing meets Twitter?

GreatArt Announced as Big Draw partner

Thu 10 Sep

The Big Draw is partnering with the largest art materials provider in the UK with big benefits for Big Draw organisers.

Philip Pullman & Chris Riddell launch The Big Draw 2015

Thu 06 Aug

On 19 September 2015, renowned author, Philip Pullman, and Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell, will launch international drawing festival, The Big Draw 2015, at a free public event championing visual literacy and connecting nine venues across Oxford in an epic celebration of creativity.

Drawing the World with The Big Draw

Mon 03 Aug

Sunday 11 October, 11 – 4pm, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C. Free

On 11 October, the international Big Draw festival will take over the vibrant new King’s Cross development with ‘Drawing the World’, and people of all ages are invited to join in a free programme of urban exploration, collaborative drawing and creative activities.

Artists of the Year 2015: Call for entries now open

Tue 28 Jul

Submit your latest masterpiece for the chance to win £10,000 worth of prizes in Artists & Illustrators magazine’s annual competition.

An interview with Pintar Rapido Founder, Roger Beckett

Fri 10 Jul

Pintar Rapido, the UK's biggest outdoor painting festival, takes place on the streets of London, this weekend, followed by Glasgow and Amsterdam later in the summer.

Congratulations to The Whitworth - Museum of the Year 2015!

Sat 04 Jul

The Whitworth Art Gallery has been named Museum of the Year 2015 at a ceremony, which took place at Tate Modern, on Wednesday.

THE JOHN RUSKIN PRIZE 2015: CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW OPEN

Tue 30 Jun

Calling all UK based amateur and professional artists! The John Ruskin Prize is returning for its third year. This time with a bigger winning prize fund, additional awards and exciting, new exhibition opportunities!

The Big Draw Awards 2015

Tue 02 Jun

The Big Draw hosted its 16th annual awards ceremony in the prestigious Painters' Hall to highlight and celebrate the significance of drawing in the world

Why Drawing is Worth a Thousand Words

Wed 27 May

Drawing has proved, since the time that man became self aware, to be one of the most powerful communicative, and conceptual development tools we have.

Art is an Election Issue

Wed 06 May

In partnership with our colleagues at NSEAD we have commissioned a film of our patron Bob and Roberta Smith talking about why we should teach art in schools. Bob and Roberta Smith is currently standing against Michael Gove MP in Surrey Heath as part of the General Election 2015.

Andrew Marr Reveals The Big Draw 2015 Theme

Thu 23 Apr

Today, the theme for The Big Draw 2015 – Every Drawing Tells a Story – was revealed in an exclusive film by high-profile drawing advocate and long-standing Campaign for Drawing Patron, Andrew Marr, as registration opens for this year’s Big Draw festival.

How Drawing is Bringing Art And Science Together

Thu 16 Apr

At the Cornwall Morphology and Drawing Centre, drawing is an invaluable tool in the scientific study of forms in the natural world.

What is the Real Value of Art Education?

Wed 25 Mar

Paula Briggs, Director of Access Art on why visual arts education is essential. 

"We (you) understand the intrinsic value of art education. We trust it, celebrate it and push for it. And it all begins with a spark between eye, brain and hand... a piece of cardboard being manipulated… a mark on a piece of paper… a small idea "not talked out of existence..."

Vietnam’s first Big Draw

Tue 10 Mar

The first ever Big Draw in Vietnam raised money for local communities and charities. All through the sale of artwork by students at the British International School in Hanoi.

A drawing encounter on the District line

Wed 04 Mar

Every so often, most people question what they do and if we are very lucky why we care so much about what we do.  Occassionally it takes a chance encounter with strangers to point out what we already know to be true.

The Great Ormond Street Big Draw

Mon 16 Feb

The Big Draw took over Great Ormond Street Hospital. With amazing results!

Recording Britain Now prize-winning piece purchased by Millenium Dome Architect

Thu 27 Nov

Architect Mike Davies of Millennium Dome and Pompidou fame – among many other things* - is a man whose long list of accolades put him at the forefront of groundbreaking design. We are thrilled to announce that at our event, last night, he selected the winning drawing from our Recording Britain Now exhibition to adorn his studio.

Drawing from nature with children in Amsterdam

Tue 11 Nov

Over 80 young children took part in a week of activities at Robbeburg International Playgroup in Amsterdam.

The Big Draw at The Natural History Museum

Tue 11 Nov

A Big Draw workhop at The Natural History Museum explored the different shapes inherent in nature through isomorphology.

Recording Britain Now Artist Interview: Mandy Payne

Fri 07 Nov

The Campaign for Drawing in collaboration with the Guild of St. George is delighted to bring an exhibition of drawings, paintings, prints and textiles by 23 artists shortlisted for the second John Ruskin Prize to Trinity Buoy Wharf.  Ahead of the exhibition, The Campaign for Drawing’s Rachel Price catches up with shortlisted artist Mandy Payne to get under the skin of a series of powerful works the artist presents for the exhibition.

The Big Draw at The Royal Society

Mon 27 Oct

The Royal Society's Big Draw demonstrated the connection between art and science. 

Leave Your Mark in Amsterdamse Bos

Fri 10 Oct

One of Amsterdam’s most beautiful green spaces will be the setting for The Big Draw this October, with an outdoor event designed to encourage visitors to enjoy creating art in the open.

The Big Draw Rijksmuseum - "Life is too beautiful not to draw"

Tue 07 Oct

Since its acclaimed re-opening, the Rijksmuseum has been at the forefront of shaping new approaches to the way we engage with art. This weekend, the leading national museum of the Netherlands is hosting The Big Draw Rijksmuseum and inviting everyone to take part.

The Big Draw 2014 launch

Tue 30 Sep

Parents and children gathered in great numbers to take part in the launch of The Big Draw at The V&A Museum of Childhood.

Our Hut and The Big Draw

Mon 08 Sep

Our Hut answers some questions about its involvement in The Campaign for Drawing's annual Big Draw.

Google Doodles

Fri 05 Sep

All 2000 Google Doodles since Google began. Google's team of illustrators produce possibly the most viewed drawings in the modern world.

Sharing in the Success of Pintar Rapido

Wed 03 Sep

Pintar Rapido is travelling to Amsterdam this weekend, but before setting off, the team has shared some of its London success with The Campaign for Drawing.

Why I love The Big Draw

Mon 02 Jun

The way I feel about the Big Draw is sort of the way I felt about The New Kids on The Block circa 1989.  Well, minus the school-girl crushes. 

Digital Drawing at Tate Modern

Tue 13 May

At the Tate Modern you can make a creative response to your visit on a digital sketch pad, then see your drawing immediately projected on the wall.