Stock up your paints and pencils! The world’s biggest drawing festival, The Big Draw, is coming to Shellharbour this October for a week of colour and fun.

Shellharbour City Council is co-presenting The Big Draw with Rumpus from Tuesday 8 October to Saturday 12 October, with a packed program celebrating the universal language of drawing.

Mayor Marianne Saliba said that Shellharbour City Council was thrilled to be bringing the internationally recognised festival to the city for the first time.

“Drawing can be a very effective way to provide an outlet for stress and anxiety, as well as help focus on the present and flow of the creative process,” Cr Saliba said.

“Everyone has the capacity to draw, and this festival is a fantastic way for community members of all ages to come together and explore their own creativity in a fun, relaxing way,” She said.

This year’s theme ‘Drawn to Life: Creativity and Wellbeing’, recognises the role drawing and creativity can have in enhancing health and wellbeing, as well the ability to assist in expression and healing.

The Big Draw program will deliver free school holiday workshops, an Open Day drop in program, The Big Draw After Dark, as well as a range of unique workshops like Bike & Draw, Night Light Painting and Giant Mural.

Rumpus coordinator of The Big Draw, Sharnie Shield, said that the festival was a giant exploration into drawing.

“It invites you to be curious about the world around you and be curious about your surroundings. It is a festival where we invite you to be as imaginative as you can be,” she said.

“From ochre to seaweed through to pens, pencils, markers, chalk, liquid acrylics, watercolours and inks, there will be lots of exciting materials to experiment, with the help and guidance of terrific local artist educators.”

Media queries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.