Recent press and media coverage featuring The Big Draw.
Zoom Rockman goes live at the Apple Store, London
http://procartoonists.org/zoom-rockman-goes-live-at-the-apple-store-london/
October 29, 2017
Our newest (and youngest) member, the precociously talented Zoom Rockman, will be bringing the Regent Street store’s celebration of The Big Draw to a close on Tuesday 31st October, 6:30 – 8:00pm
[Excerpt] Read full coverage here.
Manchester Art Graduate shortlisted for Ruskin prize
May 25, 2017
Manchester School of Art graduate Louisa Boyd has been shortlisted for the John Ruskin Prize 2017.
Louisa is one of 26 artists to be shortlisted out of over 1000 entries that responded to the theme of ‘Artist as Polymath’.
‘It is a real privilege to have been shortlisted for this year’s John Ruskin Prize,’ commented Louisa. ‘The 2017 exhibition has a theme of the "Artist as Polymath" and the jury have selected a shortlist of artists and makers whose works cross boundaries, take a multidisciplinary approach and bring together varying techniques and materials.
[Excerpt] Read full coverage here.
Sumi Perera Shortlisted for the John Ruskin Prize 2017
http://www.sgfa.org.uk/sumi-perera-shortlisted-john-ruskin-prize-2017/
May 21, 2017
The Big Draw today announced the shortlist of The John Ruskin Prize 2017, which this year celebrates the ‘Artist as Polymath’ and attracted a record number of submissions from fine artists, makers and craftspeople from across the UK. The SGFA would like to extend our congratulations to Sumi Perera for being shortlisted for this prestigious prize.
[Excerpt] Read full coverage here.
John Ruskin Prize 2017: shortlist announced
https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/john-ruskin-prize-2017-shortlist-announced
May 18, 2017
26 artists and makers have been shortlisted for The John Ruskin Prize 2017. Chosen from over 1,000 entries, this year’s prize celebrates the concept of ‘artist as polymath’.
[Excerpt] Read full coverage here.
CROCHETDERMY SHORTLISTED FOR JOHN RUSKIN PRIZE 2017
http://www.norfolk-by-design.com/crochetdermy-shortlisted-for-john-ruskin-prize-2017/
May 17, 2017
Congratulations to Shauna Richardson who has been shortlisted for the prestigious John Ruskin prize 2017 with her new crochetdermy piece called “The Wolf and the Lamb”. See more of Shauna’s work at Houghton Hall this summer in the Norfolk-by-Design exhibition being held in the Stables until September 30.
[Excerpt] Read full coverage
here.
Shortlist announced for John Ruskin Prize
https://www.apollo-magazine.com/necropolis-discovered-in-egypt/
May 16, 2017
The Big Draw has announced the 26-strong shortlist for this year’s John Ruskin Prize. The award’s fourth edition takes the theme of ‘artist as polymath’. The winner, to be announced on 20 June, will receive £3,000, with £1,000 going to two runners-up. For details of the shortlisted artists, see here.
15 Top Art Competitions that you should be entering
http://www.idesigni.co.uk/blog/art-competitions/
January 30, 2017
Now open to fine artists, makers and craftspeople, the John Ruskin Prize is a tantalising prospect for as many as 20 lucky finalists:
Those shortlisted for this UK-based prize will feature in a high profile exhibition at Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Kate Mason discusses The Big Draw Festival on 'Talking Point'
http://www.ucb.co.uk/catchup/1763883/stream/311?client=ucb
October 24, 2016
Hear the full 10 minute interview here (00.42.00).
The Great British Bake Off Designer Baker Joins The Big Draw
https://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/news/drawing/1650/the-great-british-bake-off-designer-baker-joins-the-big-draw
October 11, 2016
Designer baker and former Great British Bake Off winner, Frances Quinn, becomes one of the official ambassadors of Britain’s pioneering education charity, The Big Draw.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Viewpoint: Drawing together – the Big Draw Festival
http://www.lgiu.org.uk/2016/10/06/viewpoint-drawing-together-the-big-draw-festival/
October 6, 2016
The Big Draw is a national arts education charity that promotes visual literacy and the universal language of drawing – in its broadest sense – as a tool for learning, expression and invention. Director Kate Mason explains, as she introduces their Big Draw Festival taking place this month.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/entertainment-and-sport/events-and-listings/whitworth-to-launch-worlds-biggest-drawing-festival
September 20, 2016
EVER fancied yourself as a bit of a Picasso? Saw glimpses of Da Vinci, perhaps, in that impromptu life drawing class? Or maybe that habit of absent doodling during tedious office meetings is the closest you get to indulging your, er, creative side.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
The Whitworth to host launch of World’s Biggest Drawing Festival
http://thenubiantimes.com/the-whitworth-to-host-launch-of-worlds-biggest-drawing-festival/
September 18, 2016
On Thursday 22 September 2016, The Big Draw will launch the world’s biggest drawing festival, The Big Draw Festival, at The Whitworth in Manchester.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
BALTIC to host STEAM Symposium for educators to promote art in schools
http://advisor.museumsandheritage.com/baltic-host-steam-symposium-educators-promote-art-schools/
August 26, 2016
As thousands of children collected their GCSE results this week, arts education charity The Big Draw has announced an event for Britain’s educators that aims to encourage and promote art on the curriculum.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
The Big Draw Festival 2016: From STEM to STEAM
http://www.bshs.org.uk/the-big-draw-2016-from-stem-to-steam
August 11, 2016
National arts education charity, The Big Draw, has announced the 2016 theme for the world’s biggest drawing festival, which takes place annually from 1-31 October, and has a reach that spans national institutions and individual initiatives on every continent.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Philip Pullman: Why I Love Comics
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/14/philip-pullman-why-i-love-comics
May 14, 2016
“We can expect children to write a story and can point out ways that they can improve. But we can’t ask kids to draw a comic because they don’t know how to draw. We need to encourage children to look – really look and capture what they see. Rather than taking pictures on their phones. That’s why I’m so keen on initiatives like The Big Draw.”
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
The Big Draw
http://www.londonlive.co.uk/news/2016-03-07/the-big-draw
March 7, 2016
Artists from London are teaming up with The Big Draw, a charity that teaches the benefits of drawing to everyone.
It's Our World Auction features pieces by David Nash, David Hockney and rising young comic artist Zoom Rockman among others. Pieces are available in both an online and live auction.
Watch the coverage here.
Roll up, roll up! The Big Draw auction is about to begin
http://theartnewspaper.com/news/in-the-frame/roll-up-roll-up-the-big-draw-auction-is-about-to-begin/
March 4, 2016
Hosted by Christie's, a live auction of works by leading artists will be held in London on 10 March, followed by an online auction (10–24 March). The artists who have donated works in aid of the good cause include David Hockney...
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Laura Oldfield Ford wins John Ruskin Prize
https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/laura-oldfield-ford-wins-john-ruskin-prize
February 26, 2016
The winners of The John Ruskin Prize 2015 have been announced at a public awards ceremony hosted by The Big Draw at The New Art Gallery Walsall.
The award totals £8,000, with this year’s winner Laura Oldfield Ford receiving £5,000, the runner-up Jessie Brennan £2,000, and Robin Sukatorn receiving the new £1,000 student prize.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Hockney, Hamling and Gormley's helping hand for The Big Draw
http://theartnewspaper.com/news/in-the-frame/hockney-hamling-and-gormley-s-helping-hand-for-the-big-draw/
February 19, 2016
There has been much speculation recently that a child born today may witness the extinction of humans—unless we drastically reduce carbon emissions. It is fitting, then, that leading artists including David Hockney, Quentin Blake, Yinka Shonibare and Maggi Hambling have donated works to an auction next month that is the culmination of an environmental arts project involving more than 30,000 children, called It’s Our World.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Simona De Leo – Winner of Draw the Big Draw
http://magazine.greatart.co.uk/2015/12/01/simona-de-leo-winner-of-draw-the-big-draw/
December 1, 2015
This year The Big Draw asked artists all over the country to get creative with their logo and they were blown away by the amount of fantastic entries they recieved.
With so many wonderful entries to choose from, it was a tough choice, but it was love at first sight when they saw the entry from Simona De Leo, featuring warm autumnal colours and a menagerie of English wildlife. We’d like to introduce you to Simona and find out what inspired her design.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
A creative Q&A with Philip Pullman
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/14VSzP7l9zQj88PLn4XyDVv/a-creative-q-a-with-philip-pullman
October 14, 2015
Celebrated author Philip Pullman answered your questions about writing, drawing and creativity in a live Twitter Q&A. Perhaps best known for his award-winning trilogy His Dark Materials, he is also a defender of the arts and arts education and has backed campaigns about the closure of libraries, the gender labelling of books and the fair payment of authors of ebooks. He was also a guest of honour at the launch of The Big Draw, the world’s biggest drawing festival.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
The Importance of Drawing
http://blogs.new.spectator.co.uk/2015/10/the-importance-of-drawing/
October 13, 2015
Watch a child draw. See how she scrawls with abandon, jabs the felt tip at the paper, colours an eye so deeply the pen drives a hole through the paper. Look as she concentrates on the action of the subject, strips out unnecessary detail, toys with scale. This is pure drawing, instinctive, expressive and truthful.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Chris Riddell: Start with a doodle and see where it leads
http://www.bigissue.com/features/interviews/5787/chris-riddell-start-with-a-doodle-and-see-where-it-leads
Last month, Riddell helped launch The Big Draw, a month-long worldwide festival of creativity that encourages all ages to pick up a pen, pencil, paint, crayon, felt-tip or even a tablet. He sketched along live as the launch progressed, undaunted by the prospect of being followed by an audience in real-time.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Drawing just went BIG!
https://www.artfinder.com/blog/post/big-draw/
October 9, 2015
October has arrived and that means only one thing...the world’s largest drawing festival! Artfinder’s Liz Hipkins interviewed The Big Draw’s President, Sue Grayson Ford, to find out more about this creative festival.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Philip Pullman: how drawing helped me to see the world differently
http://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2015/oct/02/philip-pullman-how-the-big-draw-festival-helped-me
October 2, 2015
Taking part in this year’s Big Draw festival reminded the author how drawing offers tremendous insight and pleasure.
The best sort of activity is one that combines mental effort with sensuous delight. That’s why I love drawing.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
The Big Draw: How Drawing Changes Lives
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/elbi/the-big-draw-how-drawing_b_8193058.html
October 1, 2015
Today marks the start of The Big Draw's month of creativity, running 1-31 October, so we've invited Jan to tell us all about it. You'll see The Big Draw in the Elbi app now and again. In fact, today you can take part in their logo challenge with a digital drawing. Welcome to the future!
(Excerpt) Read ful coverage here.
How to draw… a GRRRRR!
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/sep/26/how-to-draw-a-grrrrr-rob-biddulph
September 26, 2015
Rob Biddulph has a beary loud drawing lesson for you today, are you ready to shout while you get your pens out?
You can also meet Rob at the Drawing the World Big Draw event on Sunday 11 October 2015.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Chris Riddell and friends launch The Big Draw 2015
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/sep/21/chris-riddell-the-big-draw-2015
September 21, 2015
The world’s biggest drawing festival The Big Draw was launched this weekend at The Bodleian Library in Oxford. Chris Riddell was there with Philip Pullman to unleash it on the world – and here shares the sketches he made on the day!
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Crowds are drawn to launch of creative festival
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/13772316.Crowds_are_drawn_to_launch_of_creative_festival/
September 21, 2015
A SKETCHING robot, 3D map and live illustration were all on display when the world’s biggest drawing festival was launched in Oxford.
Children’s Laureate, writer and illustrator Chris Riddell and author Philip Pullman were the guests of honour to open The Big Draw at the Bodleian’s Weston Library on Saturday.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Artists and illustrators young and old joined together in Oxford today to launch the world's biggest drawing festival.
Children's Laureate, writer and illustrator Chris Riddell and author Philip Pullman were guests of honour to open The Big Draw at the Bodleian's Weston Library in Broad Street.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Writers quick on the draw to help festival
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/13767750.Writers_quick_on_the_draw_to_help_festival/
September 18, 2015
PENS and pencils at the ready as author Philip Pullman and Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell launch a worldwide scheme to get children drawing in Oxford this weekend.
The Big Draw festival, now in its 15th year, features 10 of the city’s leading institutions offering activities, workshops and tours to encourage creativity.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
What happens when traditional printing meets Twitter
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4MpGJdjMCvfkSgXv7gggfDq/what-happens-when-traditional-printing-meets-twitter
September 15, 2015
Ahead of the launch of The Big Draw on 19 September artist and writer Tamarin Norwood has stepped into the Bodleian’s print room to swap tweets from her mobile phone for messages printed using the hand press.
Tamarin responds to the question 'What is Drawing Anyway?' through a series of printed tweets.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Author Philip Pullman and Sue Grayson Ford discuss The Big Draw with BBC Arts Editor Will Gompertz
September 13, 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0319fh1 (1.49)
Sue Grayson-Ford, President of The Big Draw and author Philip Pullman discuss The Big Draw 2015, qith BBC Arts Editor, Will Gompertz. The Big Draw, the world’s biggest drawing festival, will be launched on 19 September with a special day of events at the Weston Library and across nine other Oxford venues.
RoBotticelli: the mechanical marvel creating extraordinary works of art
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1f4Z6k7Clz6qY6Q2K56nkzZ/robotticelli-the-mechanical-marvel-creating-extraordinary-works-of-art
September 8, 2015
Unless you’re a crayon toting pre-schooler, drawing a human face can be a daunting prospect. But one artist never seems to struggle for artistic inspiration. Known as Paul, this prolific portrait artist has had his work exhibited the world over and all before his sixth birthday. He has one arm and 19 brothers, also called Paul. Have you guessed what it is yet? That's right Paul's a robot and thanks to the organisers of The Big Draw you can have your portrait drawn by the dextrous droid himself at the forthcoming launch of the world's biggest drawing festival.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here.
Come and doodle with the Children's Laureate - the big draw launch 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/45fg9cy7FVr04zYJ7XwlCtr/come-and-doodle-with-the-childrens-laureate
September 3, 2015
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Get Drawing! That's the message that will be coming loud and clear from Oxford in two weeks’ time when The Big Draw launches with free public events at venues across the city on 19th September. The world’s biggest drawing festival invites everyone, young and old alike, to participate in activities for all ages on the day.
(Excerpt) Read full coverage here see full details of The Big Draw launch here.
Mike Leigh blasts ‘totally illogical’ arts provision
June 1, 2015
Art should be compulsory for students up to the age of 16 in order to restore its place as a “core” subject and prevent it from being regarded as an “indulgence”, according to award-winning film director Mike Leigh.... The Oscar-nominated director made the comments last week at an awards ceremony for schools, community groups and museums that had taken part in the Big Draw international festival of drawing.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Mike Leigh announces winners of International Big Draw Awards
https://www.a-n.co.uk/news/mike-leigh-announces-winners-of-international-big-draw-awards
May 18, 2015
The 15th annual Big Draw award winners have been revealed by the film director Mike Leigh at a special event at Painter’s Hall, London today.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Andrew Marr unveils the theme for The Big Draw 2015
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02pry3s
April 23, 2015
The BBC presenter explains his love of Matisse - and what they have in common.
Big Draw competition: the winning entries – in pictures
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/gallery/2015/jan/14/big-draw-competition-winner-in-pictures
January 14, 2015
In our 2014 Big Draw competition we asked for your drawings, paintings, sketches and collages inspired by great artists.
This is what Marion Deuchars, one of the judges, had to say about all the entries: “The standard and quality of work entered was very high and extremely varied. We had many images inspired by Miro’s ‘automatic drawing’ and quite a few inspired by Kandinsky’s music-inspired paintings, but many also used their own imagination to produce their artwork. I was very impressed by the strong use of colour, risk-taking and creativity in the work of these young artists.”
(Excerpt) Read full article and view 10 winning entries here.
2014
Show your artistic side at The Big Draw in Crawley
http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/local/show-your-artistic-side-at-the-big-draw-in-crawley-1-6347417
Crawley is hosting a series of art events called the 'The Big Draw' for all ages.
A Crawley Borough Council spokesman said: “Drawing helps to connect generations, cultures and communities whilst helping us to appreciate the world around us.
“Whether you like to sketch in pencil or draw comics with marker pens, come along and explore different drawing techniques and have fun. All Big Draw events are free of charge and open to all ages and abilities.”
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Battle fought, then sandwiches
http://procartoonists.org/battle-fought-then-sandwiches/
November 24, 2014
Andy Davey works on the Procartoonists team banner
Andy Davey gives his post-match analysis, as Procartoonists team captain, on the Battle of the Cartoonists 2014 Photos by Kasia Kowalska
It was great to take part in the Battle of the Cartoonists at Trinity Buoy Wharf in one of the less glamorous quarters of London’s fashionable Docklands. We cartoonists are not used to glamour, so it was perhaps fitting that a bunch of grubby satirists should be let loose in an old oil and hemp store on a wharf overlooking the Dome.
We, the PCO team, had done some vague pre-planning but left enough room for the spontaneity and creativity of the el Galacticos in our team – Jeremy Banx, Guy Venables and ex-Punch and Readers Digest cartoon editor Steve Way.
(Excerpt) Full article here.
Andrew Marr, the art of politics
http://www.hastingsobserver.co.uk/what-s-on/magazine/magazine-celebrity-interview-andrew-marr-the-art-of-politics-1-6426734
19 November 2014
Andrew Marr has spent the past 20 years successfully climbing the media ladder; starting out as a trainee reporter at The Scotsman, before becoming political correspondent and subsequently the editor of The Independent.
Marr’s political commentary could be found in The Daily Express and The Observer, while his broadcast career has reached its zenith with The Andrew Marr Show. As one of the most recognisable voices covering UK politics, Marr has become a household name, but few people are aware of his secondary love: art. When the TV journalist suffered a debilitating stroke to the left side of his brain in January 2013, he returned to drawing to aid his recovery.
“To draw something is a way of meditating in front of reality, and I find it a very important way of expressing the way I’m alive,” says Marr. “I’ve loved it all my life. It’s almost spiritual for me.”
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Versions of this article also available via the Hertfordshire Mercury, Western Morning News, Gloucester Citizen, Herald Scotland, The Weekly News, Sussex County Times, Herts and Essex News, Yorkshire Post and The Cheshire Independent.
Drawing The Big Draw by Caroline Holden
http://www.theguardian.com/gnmeducationcentre/gallery/2014/nov/14/big-draw-drawings-caroline-holden-cartoon-family-day-11-october-2014
14 November 2014
Caroline Holden is an illustrator and cartoonist. She illustrated the original Adrian Mole books for Sue Townsend and has produced many children’s, picture and poetry books. She is currently working on a project called Freeing the fish. She has been involved in the Guardian Education Centre’s cartoon and family art day for the last 12 years and this year she drew the Big Draw
(Except) Full article here.
The Big Draw comes to the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
http://www.localberkshire.co.uk/news/windsor/articles/2014/11/06/105060-the-big-draw-comes-to-the-windsor-and-royal-borough-museum/
6 November 2014
Young artists flocked to the Windsor and Royal Borough Museum, in High Street, Windsor, on Tuesday last week, where they took on the Big Draw: It’s Our World, Floods in Windsor event. The children, in two sessions, were challenged to draw what they think Windsor would be like if it were flooded, allowing their imaginations to run wild. The nationwide The Big Draw scheme is run in October with the aim of encouraging people of all ages and abilities to draw.
Forest fun in Sherborne for Big Draw
http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Forest-fun-Sherborne-Big-Draw/story-24033235-detail/story.html
3 November
VOLUNTEERS created a colourful forest in Sherborne Museum as part of a national art scheme.
The Big Draw, working together with the Family Arts Campaign, hopes to encourage a love of illustration among all ages.
More than 280,000 people joined in with more than 1,000 Big Draw events held across 21 countries, including the UK.
Full article here.
Big Draw: Artistic skills on show at Peterborough primary school
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/community/news/big-draw-artistic-skills-on-show-at-peterborough-primary-school-1-6390770
31 October 2014
Pupils at West Town Primary Academy have celebrated the world’s biggest drawing event with a creative activities day.
Youngsters spent The Big Draw day celebrating their theme, ‘It’s Our World’, with a special focus on the trees in our environment.
The day’s events finished with a celebratory assembly for all students, where artwork was showcased. Jane Dooley, school principal, said: “All of our students thoroughly enjoyed The Big Draw.”
More about the Its Our World Peterborough Living Landscapes Trail at Railworld and The Big Draw festival runs until 2 November - UK events, see @The_Big_Draw on Twitter.
Curtains raise on the Big Draw at Strawberry Hill House
http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/11557738.Curtains_raise_on_the_Big_Draw_at_Strawberry_Hill_House/
25 October
A giant walk-in theatre book filled with stories and drawings from around the world was created by families and children this week.
The Big Draw, held throughout October, is the world’s biggest drawing festival, run by charity the Campaign for Drawing, and has more than 280,000 participants from 20 countries taking part.
The organisation’s education co-ordinator, Charlotte Hawkes, said of the October 18 event at Strawberry Hill House: “Children and adults were equally enthusiastic about creating the fabulous walk-in theatre book, which was both colourful and educational for all those who took part.”
Big Draw sketches out free half-term art activities in Lichfield
http://www.lichfieldmercury.co.uk/Half-term-art-week-promises-quite-draw-public/story-23375238-detail/story.html
October 24
FROM crafting 3D animals to learning to draw using your feet, there will something to tempt everyone's artistic taste buds in Lichfield during half-term.
Lichfield District Council is inviting budding artists to take part in this year's Big Draw by joining in free art activities.
This year's theme 'It's Our World' will see children and adults making artwork that celebrates their environment and landscape.
The first workshop is being held at Three Spires Shopping Centre on Saturday (October 25) and will be led by professional artists.
Saranjit Birdi will demonstrate his unique skill of drawing with his feet, and will be encouraging shoppers to try to do the same.
Read full article here.
he Big Draw is the world’s biggest drawing festival and Islanders are invited to take part in this year’s event on Saturday 25th October from 10am-1pm at Quay Arts.
It’s Our World
This year’s Big Draw theme: It’s Our World, is a celebration of our environment – urban, rural and coastal landscapes.
Island artist, Hannah George, will be facilitating the project in The Learning Curve Gallery.
The Learning Curve Gallery will be transformed into a magnificent drawing room; Islanders are invited to draw their favourite Island scenes on a large blank outline of the Isle of Wight, which will be painted on the wall. A range of drawing materials will be available to use.
Read full article here.
Children chalk up Big Draw success on Headington pavements
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/11546582.Children_chalk_up_Big_Draw_success_on_Headington_pavements/
21 October
YOUNGSTERS in Headington chalked up a success when they took to the streets over the weekend.
They were taking part in a special arts event that allowed them to make chalk drawings on the area’s pavements.
The event had been organised by Oxford Brookes University mature student Jean Wykes, of Kennett Road, as part of the Big Draw, a global arts event taking place throughout this month, under the theme It’s Our World.
Read full article here.
Acorns join in the Big Draw at gallery
http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/11547227.Acorns_join_in_the_Big_Draw_at_gallery/
20 October 2014
FELT tip pens and crayons were at the ready as youngsters from Acorns Children's Hospice join professional artists for exhibition.
Mandie Fitzgerald, Acorns' community fundraising officers for the three counties, visited Blue-Ginger Gallery, Cradley, with an array of postcards drawn by children at the hospice as part of the Big Draw.
Their work will be exhibited alongside postcards designed by professional artists, school children from Storridge Toddler Group, Little Growbags in Bransford and adults from Stanley House Care.
Read full article here.
Take part in the Big Draw at Canal Museum
http://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/news/more-news/take-part-in-the-big-draw-at-canal-musuem-1-6372916
22 October 2014
Those who love to draw, as well those who think they can’t, are invited to take part in the Big Draw at Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum on Wednesday, October 29.
Artists and designers will be on hand to help at the free event between 11am and 4pm. All materials are provided – just bring your imagination.
The activity day, with the theme It’s Our World, is part of the world’s biggest drawing festival – a month-long creative project designed to get people drawing in public places across the globe.
As part of an international day of drawing, the Firehouse Cultural Center recently hosted the 7th annual Big Draw. The free, hands-on community event invited folks of all ages and skill levels to dabble in a variety of artistic mediums, including still life drawing with charcoal, two types of print-making, stop motion animation, drawing with light and collaborative outdoor mural design.
Full article here.
Chalk up some street art to get involved in the Big Draw
http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/oxford/11537282.Chalk_up_some_street_art_to_get_involed_in_the_Big_Draw/
16 October 2014
The pavements of Headington could become covered in drawings by schoolchildren this weekend.
Oxford Brookes University mature student Jean Wykes is calling for residents to take to the streets and decorate the footways on Saturday along Headington Road and London Road.
She has organised the event as part of the Big Draw, a global arts festival taking place throughout this month, under the theme ‘It’s Our World’.
Ms Wykes, of Kennett Road, said: “I’ve invited all the schools in Headington to join in with the events we are running for the Big Draw, and everyone is invited to help us chalk the streets.
Read full article here.
The Big Draw is coming to the High House
http://www.yourthurrock.com/Big-Draw-coming-High-House/story-23150354-detail/story.html
14 October 2014
ARTISTS from the Royal Opera House join together with partners across the High House Production Park on Monday 27 October as the Park hosts the Big Draw. The Royal Opera House, The Backstage Centre and Kinetika will all be taking part in this free event to offer everyone a great day of drawing and fun.
This year's Big Draw theme is ‘It’s Our World’ and is a celebration of the environment we live in, whether urban, rural or coastal landscapes. The High House Production Park is a beautiful place to explore and offers lots of inspiration for artists. Everyone, young or old, beginner or expert, is invited to the Park for the free Big Draw event, to draw and learn more from skilled and experienced artists.
Read full article here.
Derry Sketcher giving away free art in city centre
http://www.derryjournal.com/what-s-on/arts-culture/derry-sketcher-giving-away-free-art-in-city-centre-1-6354412
14 October 2014
The mysterious Derry Sketcher will be giving away some of their art for free this weekend.
The event, which is to raise awareness of the Big Draw, will see the Derry Sketcher place some sketches in various well known places throughout the city on Saturday.
The Derry Sketcher, whose identity is a secret, will then give clues via their Twitter account but there’s even a chance you could stumble across a sketch as they will be virtually impossible to miss and each sketch will be labelled ‘free art’.
Read full article here.
Arty Party set to spark creativity
http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/news/local/arty-party-set-to-spark-creativity-1-6892832
13 October 2014
An ‘Arty Party’ is set for this Saturday at the Butler’s Hill and Broomhill Children’s Centre and the Broomhill School as part of a national campaign to encourage creativity.
The free event, which runs between 3pm and 6pm will provide a vast array of art and craft activities for children aged up to 11 and their parents.
The party will act as a launch of the Hucknall Future Fields’ Big Draw project which will see around 30 local groups including schools, children’s centres, churches, uniformed and community groups create poppy seed bombs, in commemoration of World War One, with the help of artist Jess Kemp.
Co-ordinator Michelle Squires said: “This is the fourth year we have run the Big Draw in Hucknall and every year it gets bigger and better – every year, more children and families learn that they can be creative.
Read full article here
Budding artists enjoy ‘Big Draw’ event
http://www.colerainetimes.co.uk/news/your-community/slideshow-budding-artists-enjoy-big-draw-event-1-6351403
11 October 2014
Budding artists have supported this year’s Big Draw on Saturday, October 4.
The Big Draw, was organized by Harry McMahon and the Firsty Group offering free drawing activities to connect people of all ages with museums, outdoor spaces, artists, designers, illustrators and each other.
The event was a great success.
View video and full article here.
Back to the drawing board
http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/news/unknown/1248/back-to-the-drawing-board
8 October 2014
Quentin Blake and Posy Simmonds both boast delightfully colourful CVs. The duo are involved in The Big Draw, The Campaign for Drawing’s month-long creative project that intends to get people drawing in public forums, with galleries and museums across the globe taking part.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Sir Quentin Blake Interview: The Big Draw Festival
http://londoncalling.com/features/sir-quentin-blake-interview-the-big-draw-festival
07 October 2014
Sir Quentin Blake, the artist whose illustrations adorn Roald Dahl’s children’s books, has spent over a decade committed to The Big Draw, a worldwide project in which museums and galleries offer a space for people of all ages to try their hand at drawing.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Budding cartoonists take note
http://procartoonists.org/budding-cartoonists-take-note
02 October 2014
It’s October, which means that the The Big Draw, the world’s largest drawing festival, is now under way. This year’s event was launched at the V&A Museum of Childhood in London. The Guardian has is running a drawing competition in association with the festival.
The Campaign for Drawing, which runs The Big Draw is also organising another Battle of the Cartoonists banner competition.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
The Guardian children's books Big Draw competition 2014
http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/competition/2014/oct/01/guardian-big-draw-competition-2014-marion-deuchars
01 October 2014
Guardian children's books has got so excited about the world's largest drawing project The Big Draw that we are launching our own Big Draw project! We've teamed up with illustrator, drawer and book creator Marion Deuchars and the founder of the The Big Draw Sue Grayson Ford to challenge you to send us your best drawings which have been inspired (however loosely) by the great masters.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
Jacqueline Wilson, Marion Deuchars and friends help launch creative, messy Big Draw
http://www.culture24.org.uk/art/painting-and-drawing/art500952-jacqueline-wilson-marion-deuchars-and-friends-help-launch-creative-messy-big-draw
30 September 2014
More than 2,500 people joined leading writers and illustrators at the launch of annual campaign The Big Draw at the V&A Museum of Childhood. Aiming to be the world’s most widespread drawing festival, the Campaign for Drawing initiative will take place in hundreds of venues in 20 countries between October 1 and November 2.
(Excerpt) Read full article here.
The Big Draw In Brighton: The World's Biggest Drawing Festival With Quentin Blake & Posy Simmonds
http://magazine.brighton.co.uk/Home/Editorial/The_Big_Draw_In_Brighton_The_Worlds_Biggest_Drawing_Festival_With_Quentin_Blake__Posy_Simmonds/20_105_1481#a
30th September 2014
Illustrators Quentin Blake and Posy Simmonds both boast delightfully colourful CVs. Blake, perhaps best known for the illustrations that adorn Roald Dahl's children"s books, has been drawing ever since he can remember. Simmonds meanwhile, recollects, "Making a drawing of buttons when I was three."
The duo are involved in The Big Draw, a creative project that intends to get people drawing in public forums, with galleries and museums across the globe taking part.
"The thing about children is that they draw anyway,"Blake says. "But when they get to 12 or 13, children get inhibited about drawing and they start to feel, perhaps, that other people do it better than they do, or that there should be some standard of photographic realism."
(Excerpt) Read full article here
Quentin Blake and posy simmonds on how to draw
http://www.phoenixmag.co.uk/culture/interview-quentin-blake-and-posy-simmonds-discuss-the-big-draw/
30 September 2014
Illustrators Quentin Blake and Posy Simmonds discuss The Big Draw, a creative project that intends to get people drawing in public spaces across the globe
Quentin Blake and Posy Simmonds are two of the UK’s most beloved – and most eclectic – illustrators. Blake, perhaps best known for the illustrations that adorn Roald Dahl’s children’s books, has been drawing ever since he can remember. Simmonds meanwhile, recollects, “Making a drawing of buttons when I was three.”
The duo are involved in The Big Draw, a creative project that intends to get people drawing in public forums, with galleries and museums across the globe taking part.
(excerpt) Read full article here
The Big Draw returns and is bigger than ever
http://www.designweek.co.uk/whats-on/the-big-draw-returns-and-is-bigger-than-ever/3038971.article
27th August 2014
The Big Draw is set to return with a month-long international programme of events curated around the theme It’s Our World.
Organised by the Campaign for Drawing, the event – which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year – is designed to get people around the world drawing. This year 20 countries are taking part and organisers say it will be ‘the world’s biggest drawing festival’.
Patrons come from a variety of professional backgrounds and include the likes of Sir Quentin Blake, Lord Foster and David Hockney.
by Tom Banks.
(excerpt) Read full article here.
John Ruskin Prize, Sheffield: Recording Britain Now
http://www.creativetourist.com/articles/art/sheffield/john-ruskin-prize-sheffield-recording-britain-now/
11th August 2014
The John Ruskin Prize in Sheffield showcases emerging artists – the work on display is at once bleak, and beautiful.
Victorian artist, critic, writer and social reformer John Ruskin had a saying: “the greatest thing a human being ever does in this world is to see something… To see clearly is poetry, prophecy and religion all in one.” The 2014 John Ruskin prize asks exactly this of its entrants; to see and to absorb a theme – and the title of this year’s exhibition –Recording Britain Now. With recent political proclamations about the importance of “British Values” being met with a series of confused faces from many, it seems apparent that Britain is in a something of a state of flux. This year’s prize has honed in on this transitional period and, as a result, extracts an interesting variation of contemporary visions.
by Daniel Dylan Wray.
(excerpt) Read full article here.
A Tropical Adventure
http://www.r-design.co.uk/blog/a-tropical-adventure
7th July 2014
Above: The Big Draw & Lufalo hosted the tropicana postcard workshop.
Despite the drizzling rain and thundering skies, a taste of Tropicana was still to be found deep in the bustle of East London’s Hoxton Arches last weekend. Promising to keep those summer dreams alive, this year’s London Illustration Fair .
With Brazilian BBQ smells and a vibrant buzz escaping from the entrance, many dived in to uncover a true illustration paradise. The tropical themed fair showcased an eclectic mix of illustration, print and design at its finest.
By bringing established commercial agencies, independent creative start-ups and charities together, the festival was a true celebration of London’s contemporary illustration scene.
Read full article here.
Illustration in the spotlight
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Illustration-in-the-spotlight/33111
07 July 2014
New museum dedicated to drawing and illustration art fair open in London
Quentin Blake at the House of Illustration, which opened in London with an exhibition of his drawings on 2 July (© David Rose)Once considered the poorer cousin of fine art, illustration is coming to the fore in London this summer. The House of Illustration, which opened in King’s Cross in north London on 2 July with an exhibition dedicated to one of the UK’s best-loved illustrators, Quentin Blake, is proving popular with adults and children alike. Billed as the world’s first illustration museum, the original plan was to focus solely on Blake, but “quickly broadened out to include all illustration”, according to a spokeswoman for the public gallery.
By Anny Shaw.
Read full article here.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-28158128
4 July 2014
John Moores Painting Prize shortlist unveiled
Mandy Payne - Brutal
A view of a block of flats painted onto concrete by a former dentist is among the five artworks shortlisted for the UK's most lucrative painting prize.
Sheffield-based Mandy Payne spent 25 years working as a dentist for the NHS before turning to art full-time in 2012. This work was spray painted directly onto concrete and depicts Sheffield's Park Hill. Payne was also recently named runner up in the John Ruskin Prize.
Read full article here.
METRO
www.metro.co.uk
June 10th 2014
Think you can't draw? Think again
When I was a kid I got it into my head that I couldn't draw and I know I wasn't the only one because I still hear children and adults saying the same to this day.
It wasn't until I was in my fifties that I realised I could draw, sketch and even paint. Ok, I'm no Picasso but I can explain ideas and concepts as well as share stories and moments in time with my newfound skill...
[excerpt]
by Roger Beckett
The Guardian
www.theguardian.com
May 29th 2014
Why drawing needs to be a curriculum essential
Drawing has creative, expressive and educational value; it remains fundamental to translating and analysing the world.
Drawing has seen something of a renaissance in the last twenty years in the UK. From the Campaign for Drawing to the Drawing Research Network, from the Drawing Room to the Rabley Drawing Centre, we've witnessed a proliferation of passion, effort and energy matched by increased museum exhibitions, dedicated degree courses, professors, publications and conferences.
All of the above have been established in pursuit of understanding, developing and promoting drawing, and many inside and outside the sector endure to evidence drawing as both the most sophisticated means of thinking and communicating, and an activity for all...
[Excerpt] Full article here
Don't panic
www.dontpaniconline.com
20th May 2014
Why is Drawing Important?
This here's a video from The Campaign for Drawing. An arts charity that champions the importance of drawing. Drawing is a fundamental tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement.
This features interviews with Andrew Marr, the broadcaster and Campaign Patron, Peter Ayres, architect for Beep Studio, Briony Marshall, sculptor & former biochemist and Massimo Acanfora, Creative Director at Conran and Partners.
Arts Award
The Big Draw and Family Arts Festival Awards Ceremony
www.artsawardvoice.com
2 May 2014
Being in a beautiful building, filled with paintings and chandeliers, and surrounded by people interested in families and the arts, was amazing. Seeing Lauren Child, creator of innovative and interesting picturebooks including the Charlie and Lola series, speak was wonderful. And when an actual real life fanfare was played for each award winner, I realized The Big Draw and Family Arts Festival Awards Ceremony was a dream come true.
The Big Draw and Family Arts Festival celebrated their first year’s partnership at a shared Awards Ceremony on 28th April. The ceremony was held in the London’s Painters’ Hall, home of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers. Despite the grand setting, the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed – there were even drawing workshops on arrival and we were given a brief history of the 700 year old building. It was a real joy to celebrate individuals and organisations from a range of arts backgrounds, all interested in providing and encouraging engaging arts experiences for families and young people...
[excerpt] Full article here
by Flossie Waite
Architectural Review
Recording Britain Now: The launch of the second John Ruskin Art Prize
www.Architectural-review.com
25 February 2014
The Campaign for Drawing’s second John Ruskin Prize calls for responses to Britain’s urban, social and rural environment
This month sees the launch of the second John Ruskin Prize, ‘Recording Britain NOW’. The Campaign for Drawing, in collaboration with the Guild of St George, invite commentaries on the state of Britain as anything from drawings and paintings to mixed media and digital art.
The winner will be awarded £1,000 along with the fantastic opportunity to exhibit in the Millennium Gallery, Sheffield with 15 runners-up alongside the V&A’s touring exhibition, ‘Recording Britain’.
How to Spend It: Financial Times
http://howtospendit.ft.com
February 20 2014
The Campaign for Drawing’s designs for life. An online shop stocked with big-name pieces to aid a vital artistic medium
“I launched the Campaign for Drawing in 2000, on behalf of the Guild of St George, to promote the medium as a vital tool for thought, invention and communication, and our Big Draw events now attract 200,000 people annually. Plus, our online shop is always stocked with unique artworks by our patrons, such as Sir Quentin Blake and Lord Foster. We have just added pieces by sculptor David Nash and printmaker Chris Orr, too.”
Sue Grayson Ford, founding director of The Serpentine Gallery and Campaign for Drawing.
Pictured: signed Quentin Blake print, £100.
All proceeds support www.campaignfordrawing.org, www.bigdrawshop.co.uk.
by Sibeal Pounder
uk Parliament
www.parliament.uk
17 February 2014
Mr Speaker Unveils new artwork created by the public
On Monday 17 February The Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon John Bercow, unveiled a new Parliamentary artwork in Portcullis House - made by 376 members of the public and award winning artist Rachel Gadsden. A result of the Big Draw at the Houses of Parliament the four new works are a modern interpretation of existing mosaics of the four patron saints of the UK in Parliament’s Central Lobby.
Mr Speaker described the work as ‘delightful’ saying: ‘Parliament was extremely pleased to be part of this year’s Big Draw and to be able to support the Campaign for Drawing and the first ever Family Arts Festival. We were encouraged that so many families from all over the UK took part and that the end result, created by Rachel Gadsden, was able to incorporate so many of their fantastic drawings. I can’t remember having had anything so colourful exhibited at Portcullis House’.
The nationwide Big Draw and Family Arts Festival, ran in October last year. The public were able to make their own artwork based on the saints after taking a tour of Parliament and viewing the mosaics. They worked with Rachel, who made copies of their work to inspire and include in the new montaged work that now hangs in Portcullis House.
Rachel Gadsden, who was awarded the 2013 National Diversity Award for “Positive Role Model for Disability”, described working on the project as: ‘The most wonderful opportunity to engage creatively with members of the public, families and young people on an artistic commission that has been created in collaboration. Westminster Hall at Parliament is such an atmospheric important building, and the energy and excitement that emanated during “The Big Draw” events is clearly now so evident in the final beautiful paintings.’
It is planned that the painting will hang in Portcullis House until the end of February and they will then move to the House of Lords where they will be displayed in Millbank House. The project was funded by The Speaker’s Art Fund. During the visit Mr Speaker met with the artist Rachel Gadsden, Sue Grayson Ford from the Campaign for Drawing and a group of families who took part in the project.