The Big Draw

Why? Drawing helps us to think, invent and communicate – regardless of age and ability.

The Big Draw Festival is a worldwide celebration of drawing! It promotes the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning, expression, and invention. 

The Festival is made up of a collection of thousands of creative events, activities, and workshops across the globe run by organisations big and small; from individuals to entire cities!

Inspire leads on The Big Draw for Nottinghamshire and is the Drawing Action Associate for the Campaign for Drawing. 

We have won 5 Drawing Inspiration Awards; for our programme of participation, for developing a training programme that empowers non-arts professionals to use drawing to achieve their own goals and targets with the groups they work with, and for our 2020, 2021 and 2022 projects!

Every October, The Big Draw bursts into Inspire Libraries. Find out more by clicking on the projects listed on this page.

Founded in 2000 by the Guild of St George, The Big Draw is a pioneering visual literacy charity dedicated to raising the profile of drawing as a tool for wellbeing, thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement. The charity leads a diverse programme of advocacy, empowerment and engagement, and is the founder and driving force behind The Big Draw Festival – the world’s biggest celebration of drawing.

The Big Draw manages collaborative research projects, campaigns and educational conferences on visual literacy, digital technology and STEAM. The charity supports professional and emerging artists through its national contemporary art prize, The John Ruskin Prize and exhibition, and through events, awards, and competitions, creating platforms for each and everyone who wants to draw.

Visit thebigdraw.org

• The Big Draw Lights Up Inspire Libraries
• The Big Draw STEAM powered Exhibition open Inspire's Worksop Library Gallery!
• Magical collection box unveiled as part of circus themed exhibition