The Big Draw returns to our streets this Autumn as part of a national campaign to provide access to opportunities to get involved in different approaches to art. The events will take place on the 9th October in Lichfield and the 23rd October in Burntwood.

The project which is being jointly organized by Peter Walker of 52 Weeks of art and Celia Houghton of Lichfield arts development will see new and exciting workshop projects provided for free on both dates.

In the past years Celia has won a number of National Awards for her Big Draw projects, which have become a big part of Lichfield’s annual arts programme.

On the 9th October in Lichfield across the city near Marks and Spencers there will be 3 other artists including Celia running creative drawing activities with the general public. Celia will be encouraging passers-by to draw without using their hands or mouths called ‘Hands Free’. Artist Henrietta Ellis is creating a monopoly game based on Lichfield and Clair Rushton will be drawing with sticky tape. All are fun and engaging participatory projects and great fun to be involved in. The same artists will be featured at the 23rd October event at Sankeys Corner in Burntwood.

Also on the 9th Lichfield will feature Scribble in the Dark, a nationally acclaimed project by artist Andy McKeown (one of the artists who created the Johnson 300 Son et Lumiere). During the day passers by will be able to draw with light in a special darkened tent on Market Street, near Market Square, and then after dusk the project team will wonder around the city – starting at market square drawing with light on buildings – and you can join in – for free.

Peter Walker “The arts in Lichfield are thriving and more people are discovering a forgotten love for the arts or a hidden skill. The Big Draw is a great way of getting involved and having fun with art – as that’s what its all about”.

The projects is one of a number of art based workshops projects and exhibitions in the city. On the 30th October the Guildhall will see a performance art workshop day – with the opportunity to discuss with Lichfield’s New Art Foundation - the way forward for the arts in the City. Tesco PLC and Community Development at Lichfield District Council have jointly funded the Big Draw projects.