The Big Face

This project proved that the simple act of drawing can link widespread communities and that everyone can play their part in creating a collective artwork.   Over 12,000 children, from every primary school in Cumbria and Lancashire, responded enthusiastically to the challenge of making self-portraits. This kick-started construction of a giant composite face, made up of all the individual portraits. Impressive in scale, this huge work demanded a closer look to reveal the wealth of colour and imagination provided by its many contributors. Pupils from three primary schools near Lancaster helped artist Louise Bradley compose the outsize artwork, and discovered how important creativity is, both individually, and as part of a large-scale collaboration.

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.