Thursday, October 13, 2011

What's Going On?

We have a new leaflet out with all of the latest news about the redevelopment project and upcoming events.You can flick through the leaflet online here.


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Thursday, October 6, 2011

The Big Time-Travel Draw!


October is Big Draw month! The Big Draw is the Campaign for Drawing’s flagship programme. It is the largest drawing festival in the world. This year there will be lots of ways for the people of Bedford to join in and get involved with The Big Draw.

At the Art Gallery & Museum we will be travelling back and forth through time for our Big Draw event, making some VERY big drawings on the hoardings surrounding the Art Gallery & Museum site. But we need lots of help from all of you! Drop in on the 25th, 26th and 27th October to draw scenes inspired by Bedford’s past.

Did you know that Bedford was once beneath a tropical sea? Or that during the Ice Age Mammoth's, Elephant's and Bison roamed around the town? Come and join us in making some giant drawings inspired by Bedford's past as well as imagining Bedford's future. Will Bedford be underwater once more?



Join us at any time on the 25th, 26th or 27th October between 10am - 12noon or 1pm - 3pm for some FREE Big Drawing fun.

There are lots more Big Draw activities going on in Bedford. Bedford Creative Arts have invited artist Jo Roberts to map the history of Bedford’s Midland Road throughout October. For The Big Draw she will be leading doodle walks with local residents and visitors who want to explore this part of Bedford in a new and informal way. Through walking and talking and looking and doodling participants will contribute to a new map of Midland Road. The Midland Road Doodle Walks will take place on the afternoons of 15th, 19th and 22nd October.

WeAreBedford have teamed up with a group of local illustrators who will be inviting people to draw ‘Monsters of Bedford’ in an empty shop at Castle Quay. Taking inspiration from the creatures that have existed in the area from prehistoric time to the present day you are invited to create your own monster drawings. The event is on Saturday 22nd October from 11am – 3pm and is a free drop-in.


The illustrators on hand throughout the day include Katy Dynes, Alasdair Bright, Rachel Lovatt, Marisa Straccia, Scarlett Tierney, Andrew Foster and David Litchfield. They are all available to demonstrate a wide range of drawing techniques from the use of pen and pencil to chalk and stitch. You can add your creations to the ‘Monster Map’ of Bedford which will be created on the walls of The Drawing Room at Castle Quay.
Cllr Doug McMurdo, portfolio holder for Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Throughout October, the nights will be drawing in – quite literally! This festival is bound to stir peoples’ creativity and will form superb social events too. There is so much that Bedford has to offer in terms of arts and culture and these events are further evidence of that.”


So, why not make a BIG impact this October, and join in!