AROUND 700 sketchbooks – distributed free of charge as part of a Coventry University art project – have been returned filled with drawings and painting of major landmarks, some documenting the city in lockdown.
Inspired by the famous Brooklyn sketchbook project and supported by UK City of Culture funding, the Coventry Sketchbook 2021 project, has taken on a whole new dimension during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The university’s school of art and design launched the project at 2019’s Godiva Festival challenging people to fill the books with drawings and paintings of the city, documenting their creative visions of Coventry and giving them the opportunity to play their part in next year’s celebrations.
One of the main project leaders, Lindsey Chambers, who has been delighted with the response, said: “When we set this project up one of the most exciting things was how many people were interested from all walks of life. We have university students, community groups and craft groups doing it, we’ve worked with local schools and people have been really willing to take part.
“Because we set this project up before the Covid-19 pandemic, people have used these books as a resource to help with their wellbeing and that’s been really exciting for us.”
Around 2,021 sketchbooks were sent out to the local community. Some of the best artwork will be showcased in public libraries next year to mark Coventry’s collective creativity, solidarity and togetherness through difficult times, say organisers.
For more details on Coventry University’s sketchbook project go here.
