Our Patrons: Gary Andrews | Sir Quentin Blake | Lord Foster of Thames Bank | Ivan Harbour | David Hockney OM CH | Millie Marotta | Andrew Marr | Sir Roger Penrose OM | Chris Riddell OBE | Narinder Sagoo | Gerald Scarfe CBE | Posy Simmonds MBE | Bob & Roberta Smith RA | Emma Stibbon Since 2000, arts education charity, The Big Draw has championed the importance of drawing as a tool for thought, invention, and communication. The charity works to promote visual literacy and to demonstrate the vital role of drawing in self-development, harnessing creativity, breaking down cultural and generational barriers, building skills and expertise for the economy as well as improving health and general well-being. It does this through a diverse programme of advocacy and engagement activities that empower people of all backgrounds to pick up a pencil and pursue their potential. The charity is the creator and driving force behind the annual, month-long Big Draw Festival, which takes place across the UK and in over 20 countries worldwide. Throughout the year, the charity works with cultural and educational organisations, policymakers and businesses to promote visual literacy, and pilots collaboration, research and innovation to demonstrate the social, economic and health benefits that drawing can bring.