Wolverhampton set to make its mark in world’s biggest drawing festival

The University of Wolverhampton is collaborating with The Big Draw to bring a three-day celebration of drawing to the Mander Centre this October, giving people across the city the chance to make their mark.

Taking place from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October, the free event will transform the Mander Centre into the canvas for one of Wolverhampton’s biggest-ever public drawing projects.

Led by expert practitioners from Fine Art and Illustration within the University’s School of Creative Industries, the project will bring people together to create an evolving large-scale drawing inspired by Wolverhampton, its people and the stories that make the city unique.

Over the three days, shoppers, families, artists and visitors will be able to contribute to the artwork, responding to the people, architecture, movement, stories and experiences that shape Wolverhampton’s vibrant urban landscape.

 Inspired by ideas of psychogeography, the project will encourage participants to explore not only their physical surroundings but also their emotional, social and personal connections to the city, capturing encounters, memories, observations and imagined journeys.

Lindsey Chambers, , Head of School of Social Science, Humanities and Creative Industries from the University of Wolverhampton said: “We’re really excited to bring The Big Draw to the heart of Wolverhampton and give people across the city the chance to be part of something creative and joy being part of community artistic effort'

“This is about celebrating Wolverhampton and the people, places, stories and experiences that make our city unique. Over three days, we hope to see the artwork grow and evolve as more people add their own ideas and perspectives. Being creative is within us all and supports our wellbeing'

“You don’t need any previous drawing experience to get involved. We want everyone to feel welcome to come along, have a go and make their mark.”

The Wolverhampton event forms part of The Big Draw Festival 2026, the annual international celebration of drawing, which has reached more than five million people across over 35 countries since its launch in 2000.

This year’s theme, ‘Make a Mark’, celebrates mark-making as a form of playful exploration and expression, encouraging people of all ages to see drawing as a way of engaging with and responding to the world around them.

The University of Wolverhampton is one of The Big Draw Festival Partners for 2026, alongside organisations including the National Trust, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Wallace Collection, the Courtauld Gallery and the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration.

Matilda Barratt, Director of The Big Draw, said: “It’s always inspiring to see the programme of events that our Big Draw Organisers run worldwide each year, and we're so incredibly grateful to them all, in particular our Festival Partners, who make the Festival what it is.”

There will be scheduled activities alongside informal drop-in opportunities throughout the event, allowing people to take part at a time that suits them.

No previous drawing experience is required, all materials will be provided and the event is free to attend and open to everyone.