Independent Arts, Newport Minster and Quay Arts are bringing The Big Draw Festival back to the Isle of Wight, for ‘Drawn to Newport’, so pitch up and dive in to the raft of events and workshops running Saturday 23rd August to Saturday 30th August across all three sites to celebrate the power of drawing and to bring people together for shared creative expression.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the world’s biggest drawing festival. Since 2000, The Big Draw Festival has taken place annually across over 35 countries, involving thousands of events and encouraging over four million people back to the drawing board.

Arts education charity, The Big Draw, which is the founder and driving force behind the festival, believes that everyone can draw. They promote drawing as a universal language that has the power to change lives and unite people of any age, background, race, or religion from around the globe.

Bringing the festival to the Isle of Wight in this milestone year, the three organisations are coming together to celebrate the 2025 festival theme, ‘Drawn Together,’ which highlights the power of drawing to connect people and build communities.

This programme has been made possible thanks to the support of the Newport Business Association. Their funding has helped bring these creative opportunities into the heart of the town, encouraging local people and visitors alike to engage in the joy of drawing.

With a full family friendly programme being offered by all, there will be opportunities to join in with sketching trails, doodle walls, and even drawing with sewing machines! Drop in to the free drawing studio at the Quay, visit the drawing and colouring station at the Minster, and try your hand drawing a portrait through the window glass at Independent Arts.

The Big Draw is an amazing opportunity for anyone, of any age to take part.

Matilda Barratt, director of The Big Draw says:

“For a quarter of a century, The Big Draw has championed drawing as a tool for communication, expression, and understanding – helping individuals and communities come together and connect.

“Drawing is a universal language that transcends barriers, bringing us closer and enabling us to communicate in ways that words cannot. ‘Drawn Together’ serves as a reminder that the simple act of making a mark can build bridges, forge bonds, and create shared experiences.”

Events will be running from Saturday 23rd to Saturday 30th August at all three sites. Please drop in to Independent Arts, Newport Minster or Quay Arts to pick up a programme, or call (see below) for details.

Independent Arts, 48-49 High Street, Newport (01983 822437) www.independentarts.org.uk

Quay Arts, 15 Sea St, Newport PO30 5BD (01983 822490) www.quayarts.org.uk

The Newport Minster, St Thomas’s Square, Newport (01983 821961) www.newportminster.org.uk