The Campaign for Drawing has one aim: to get everyone drawing!

To help achieve this 1000 UK venues, from scout huts to national museums took part in the ninth Big Draw, 1 to 31 October 2008. This annual programme shows that drawing is the perfect medium for observation, self-expression and fun. Wide-ranging events and themes for all ages span art and science.

Drawing on Life (26-28 September) launched the 2008 Big Draw season at Wellcome Collection and University College London with a free festival involving 6,500 people of all ages in exploring creativity in science, art and life. You can see video diaries, highlights and photos of the Festival on the event micro-site. A week-long programme, Transports of Delight drew attention to St Pancras International station's past and present engineering feats. The Big Picture Party at the British Library (27 October) celebrated children's picture books, drawing and family learning.

The Big Draw proves that drawing is an enjoyable public activity as well as a private passion. It is inspired by the visionary Victorian artist and writer, John Ruskin. His mission was not to teach people how to draw, but how to see. Drawing Inspiration Awards reward organisers who use The Big Draw to connect their participants creatively with museum and gallery collections, heritage or the wider community.

An educational charity, the Campaign sees drawing as a life skill: a vital tool for thinking, inventing and communicating. Its publications for teachers and other educators provide evidence that drawing supports formal and informal learning. This work needs champions. Donations, however small, make a big difference. Please contact us for details.

Power Drawing Professional Development provides a year-round programme for those interested in promoting drawing in schools and cultural institutions. Click here for course details.