Big Draw Logo Courtesy The Campaign for Drawing

From September 26-28 2008 The Campaign for Drawing and Bow Arts Trust are presenting ‘Drawing on Life’ at The Wellcome Collection and University College London.

This event marks the national launch of The Big Draw a month long programme where over 1000 venues across the country will host drawing events for budding artists of all abilities and ages.

‘Drawing on Life’ is a free interactive festival celebrating and exploring what it is to be human, with workshops led by artists and scientists over the three days.

Highlights include illustrator Steven Appleby drawing to the music of Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee and drawing and singing workshops with Rhizome for Choir which culminates in a major performance.

From October 1 2008 the Campaign for Drawing’s The Big Draw programme will begin, nationwide. Inspired by Victorian artist and writer John Ruskin whose aim was not to teach people to draw but to see, The Big Draw encourages people to explore drawing and creating art in new and adventurous ways.

Campaign for Drawing is an educational charity which sees drawing as a life skill rather than a hobby or profession. The campaign prints publications for teachers providing evidence on how drawing helps formal and informal learning.

Cartoonist Mark Rowson at The Battle Of The Cartoonists 2007 Courtesy of The Campaign for Drawing

St Pancras International train station is presenting Transports of Delight from October 11-17 2008 as part of The Big Draw.

On October 11 2008 St Pancras will be celebrating National Big Draw Day with tours of the train station led by engineers and architects who guide drawing enthusiasts through the station’s past and present on a walk and draw tour.

Alistair Lansley, who was in charge of the station’s redevelopment will give an overview at 12 noon while younger artists create story boards of their journeys.

IIlustrator Quentin Blake at The Big Picture Party 2007 courtesy The Campaign for Drawing

On October 27 2008 The British Library will be inviting children of all ages to the The Big Picture Party in their courtyard where favourite characters will be brought to life on the giant Big Draw frame by some of UK’s best known illustrators.

Famous illustrator Quentin Blake will be appearing at the library on October 27 2008, along with Axel Scheffler, Nick Sharratt, Polly Dunbar and many other well known illustrators.

Big Draw events are being run all over the UK to find out what’s on in your area visit the Campaign for Drawing’s website: www.campaignfordrawing.org