Big Journal - Big Draw

What happened when 120 nine and ten year-olds from Murray Bridge North Schools used drawing for all kinds of observation and self-expression over six months; where erasers were forbidden, and the only rule was there's no such thing as a mistake? Big Journal – Big Draw was the result.  Funded by Australia Council and led by artists John Whitney, James Parker and Sebastian Humphreys supported by Ella Pak Poy, the children were excited to explore their surroundings through drawing. Celebrated in a popular exhibition in the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, and in the Big Journal itself, the results were a revelation to the participants, their families and teachers. The project encouraged a fresh look at the history, heritage and aesthetics of their landscape, and produced work that revealed the heart of the community.

Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust Awards

The Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust aims to increase public appreciation of the arts and music. Their awards recognise educators, artists, teachers and others who use The Big Draw to extend their audience’s perception of drawing and to engage them in innovative activities. They reward organisers whose events relate to their setting, local environment or community, show a clear purpose and good results. Individual drawings may have been used to create a collective artwork, or a public display to celebrate participants’ achievements.