launched in 2020 by myself and Gemma Hobbs, as part of our work with Keighley Creative. Funded by an Arts Council England Emergency Grant during the Covid-19 crisis, the project was designed to support communities while testing and launching Keighley Creative’s new branding and communications strategy.
Our goal was to give people the tools, confidence, and encouragement to focus on the creative process rather than fearing a bad outcome. We distributed 500 'drawing boxes' filled with high-quality art materials and engaging activity prompts to individuals and families in Keighley. To ensure accessibility, we provided weekly digital activities, worksheets, and live performances, reaching even those without digital resources.
The success of The Drawing Box Project was recognized with the Marsh/Engage Award for Excellence in Gallery Education (later renamed Excellence in Visual Arts Engagement) in 2021. Gemma and I were honored to be the first duo to win this award, reflecting the project’s innovative approach to community engagement.
Since then, the project has expanded its reach through partnerships with South Pennine Parks (travel Drawing Box), Airedale Shopping Centre (MEGA Drawing Box project), and the Yorkshire Peat Partnership (A bog in a Drawing Box and Pledges to the Landscape- Citizen Scientist Class Drawing Boxes). These efforts have focused on raising awareness of local environmental issues and engaging historically excluded communities.
If you or your organization would like to participate with a fully adapted version of The Drawing Box Project, please contact me or Keighley Creative.
