DRAW! was a nationwide drawing project for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture inspired and supported by Bradford-born artist David Hockney that encouraged members of the public to submit artwork each month. Now the artworks are going on display at train stations, bus stops and shopping centres across the country in partnership with JCDecaux UK.

DRAW! featured twelve artists: Adébayo Bolaji, Rose Blake, Phoebe Boswell, Faiza Butt, Gent 48, Harry Hill, David Hockney, Kate Jackson, Morag Myerscough, Dame Zandra Rhodes, Johnny Vegas, and Jason Wilsher-Mills. Throughout 2025, each artist chose a different theme every month, inspiring hundreds of people from across the UK to create and submit their drawings.

A selection of these artworks are now on display in cities and towns across the north including Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester. Artworks can also be viewed on the Bradford 2025 website.

The year-long drawing project invited people from across the UK to pick up a pen, pencil, paintbrush or iPad, encouraging people of all ages to reflect on their everyday lives through the act of a drawing. Supported by Bradford District and Craven Mind, the project promotes that everyday creativity is beneficial for positive mental health.

Jenny Harris, Director of Programme at Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, says “We received hundreds of sketches, doodles, collages, and the most beautiful artworks from the public, some of which you can view on our website, but now you can see them when you’re walking down the street! We encourage everyone, inspired by Bradford’s own David Hockney, to carry on drawing whether that be for artistic expression, wellbeing, or just for the sake of it.”

Savannah, one of the youngest contributors aged 9 said “I like drawing because I get to be in my world. I feel proud that it is on display to lots of people and I hope it puts smiles on their faces.”

Tim, one of the eldest contributors, aged 70 said “Time doesn’t exist when I’m drawing. It takes me out of myself. Everyone can draw, at any age. There’s always something else to learn. It helps us see the world and to conjure up new ones. Draw on your own. Draw together. It feels great to have my drawing on display to celebrate my home-town’s City of Culture year.”

Helen Davey, CEO of Bradford District and Craven Mind, added: “The DRAW! project shows how powerful drawing can be in supporting mental wellbeing, helping people slow down, express their emotions and feel more connected to themselves and others. At Bradford District and Craven Mind, we have seen first-hand how doing creative activities can boost confidence, reduce stress and open up conversations about mental health for people of all ages.”

Find out more about DRAW!, watch films with the artists involved and view the galleries at bradford2025.co.uk/draw

DRAW! is supported by Bradford District and Craven Mind and Allwyn UK.