Residents are being encouraged to get creative in a range of free, artistic events for all the family, as part of this year’s ‘The Big Draw’.

The Big Draw, which runs from 1 October to 29 October in Guildford, is part of a campaign to get the nation drawing. This year’s theme is STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

The month-long event is being launched by the Mayor at 2pm, on Saturday 1 October, with creative events taking place at the Boileroom, Guildford.

Cllr Nikki Nelson-Smith, Lead Councillor for Heritage and the Arts, says: “This is the fourth year that we have participated in the festival.  Our aim is to offer inclusive opportunities for everyone, especially young people and those who do not normally have access to the arts.” 

“We invite people of all ages, levels and abilities to take part in activities. You can join in a wide range of creative events and workshops which encourage innovative ideas, and the chance to learn new skills. Some events this year include creating images inspired by music, at The Star Inn, to creating a group installation piece at G Live. All events are free - come along and try something new.”

You can also enter The Big Draw poster art competition, and have a chance to win £40 of art materials, by picking up a brochure from the Tourist Information Centre, 155 High Street.  The competition poster can also be found in free copies of the September and October issues of the Guide2Surrey.

Ten Guildford venues are taking part in the event, which is organised locally by the Council’s Arts Development team, supported by Guildford Arts. Venues include Watts Gallery, G Live, The Boileroom, Yvonne Arnaud and The Electric Theatre.

Artist and Big Draw Patron Peter Cross, will be present at the launch, and workshops will be running for all ages and abilities. 

For a full programme of events, visit www.guildford.gov.uk/thebigdraw

Published on Monday 26 September.