The Big Draw Festival 2026

'Make a Mark' with Studio Maverik as part of the world's biggest celebration of drawing!

The Big Draw Festival is held worldwide every year to celebrate the universal language of drawing. Join in a range of fun, creative drawing activities for all ages - absolutely no experience necessary!

This year's event is held in partnership with Studio Maverik, a community-focused and inclusive pop-up art studio. Celebrate drawing as process and not as product with this year's Big Draw theme, Make a Mark. Through a series of relaxed, experimental, and exciting drawing activations - explore the expressive power of mark-making to connect with ourselves and the world around us.

The Big Draw: Make a Mark champions drawing as a vital learning process that is open and accessible to all. Come draw, experiment, and kick-start your creativity among fellow drawing enthusiasts!

When: Saturday 24 October 2026

Time: 10am - 3pm

Costumed Life Drawing Sessions : Drop-in between 10:30am - 12:30pm & 12:30pm - 2:30 pm

Where: Ipswich Art Workshop and Ipswich Community Gallery (based in d’Arcy Doyle Place)

Cost: FREE!

Studio Maverik

Studio Maverik is a community-focused and inclusive pop-up art studio. They welcome and encourage all people to attend their events - to chat, draw, and connect in a vibrant and welcoming space.

See more on their website.

Banner Image: Image Courtesy of Big Draw 2026.

Additional information:

Location: Ipswich Art Gallery is located in the heart of the Ipswich CBD. Our public entrance is in d’Arcy Doyle Place, a pedestrian section of Nicholas Street between Brisbane and Limestone Streets. Parking: The Gallery does not have its own parking, however there is metered on-street parking on Limestone Street, Nicholas Street and Brisbane Street. Street parking is free on the weekends; please check signs for details.  Ipswich CBD Parking (beneath Tulmur Place in the Nicholas Street Precinct) offers free parking for up to 3 hours. On weekends parking is free. The car park entry is located on Bremer Street which runs parallel to the Bremer River.

Public Transport:  The Gallery is a short walk from the Ipswich Railway Station as well as bus stops. If travelling by train, alight at Ipswich Station. The Gallery is a 4-minute walk from the station. Walk left up Bell Street, right onto Brisbane Street and left onto d’Arcy Doyle Place. VisitTRANSlink for service and timetable information.