Cambridge organizations and individuals are getting on board with The Big Draw, the world’s biggest festival of drawing which takes place each October.
Launched in 2000, The Big Draw has encouraged over two million people back to the literal drawing board and has notched up two world records in the process. Last year’s event involved 26 countries, with 414,000 people attending over 1,800 events by 1000+ organisers. This year, The Big Draw is celebrating the theme ‘Every Drawing Tells a Story’, and hundreds of activities will take place both internationally and here in Cambridge.
Local artist Portia Rosenberg (see work above), who illustrated the book Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, will be hosting four events with Cambridge BID: on 3 October outside the Guildhall, 4 October at Tindalls, 10 October at The Round Church and on 11 October at The Grafton shopping centre.
“We’re offering free use of drawing materials, so come along and have a go, no matter what your age or experience of drawing,” said Portia. “And volunteer staff will be on hand to give advice and tips on how to improve your drawing.”
Becky Burrell, marketing and commercial manager for Cambridge BID, adds: “We’re delighted to be taking part in this year’s Big Draw festival. Cambridge is a cultural city with a rich artistic heritage and this is a perfect way to showcase our talent as well as helping people to express themselves through the universal language of drawing. We’re encouraging people to come along, pick up a pencil and see where their imaginations lead!”
There will also be events at The Museum of Cambridge (formerly the Folk Museum) on 1 October; Draw, Drink & Dine at The Plough in Shepreth, 10 and 11 October; and at St Andrew’s Hall, Chesterton on 24 October.
