SOUTHAMPTON art galleries will be inviting the public to take part in a city-wide festival.

Organisers say The Big Draw is the world's biggest drawing event - and is aimed at promoting the universal language of drawing as a tool for learning.

Southampton artists from organisations including a space arts, John Hansard, City Eye, Solent Showcase and City Art Gallery will be on hand to offer a series of events on October 27 for people of all ages and abilities.

Budding artists can drop in and have a go at drawing in the dark, creating a giant pendulum drawing, create work inspired by Black History Month and use iPads to draw on walls.

Urban Sketchers will also be on hand to give you tips on technique, perspective and composition.

All venues are free and fully accessible.

John Hansard Gallery and City Eye

Drawing machines at John Hansard Gallery (Active Space)

Drop in. 11.30am – 1.30pm

Create a giant collaborative pendulum painting with artist Gemma Gore, in partnership with ‘a space’ arts.

Drawing in the dark at John Hansard Gallery (Screening Room)

Drop in. 11.30am – 4pm

Play with coloured acetate, markers, light boxes, mini projectors and OHP’s to transform our screening room into an ever evolving artwork with artist Vanessa Rolf.

Drawing with Light at City Eye (Production Lab)

Drop in. 11.30am – 4pm

Use iPads to draw with light on the walls of the City Eye Production Lab with artist, and City Eye trustee, Alys Scott-Hawkins.

John Hansard Gallery and City Eye, 142-144 Above Bar Street.

Solent Showcase Gallery

Drawing the Future at Solent Showcase

Drop in. 12pm – 3pm

Join a collaborative art piece led by local artist Chantelle Lyraness. The floor of the gallery will become your canvas to explore the marks and patterns we can make together, with the back drop of our exhibition Black To The Future, for Black History Month.

157-187 Above Bar St.

Southampton City Art Gallery

Drawing Space at Southampton City Art Gallery

Drop in. 10.30am – 3pm

Join us to draw the gallery, the art, the people. Get advice and encouragement from Urban Sketchers who will be on hand to help explore drawing techniques, perspective and composition. In partnership with ‘a space’ arts.

Southampton City Art Gallery, Commercial Road.