International artists to join presenters from Tate Britain and Rabley Drawing Centre at UN symposium

Tickets are on sale now for an international art symposium at the University of Northampton which will examine the sketchbook, one of the lesser seen but in many instances, the most essential part of an artist’s practice.

The Sketchbook Today will provide an arena to debate and discuss the sketchbook; its use, role, purpose and how this has shifted and expanded historically.

A number of high profile keynote speakers have been lined up for the event, including Tate Britain archivist Allison Foster, director of The Rabley Drawing Centre, Meryl Ainslie, and artist Renato Alarcao and Rod Bugg. Academics from the University’s School of the Arts will also present at the day-long symposium, which takes place on Tuesday 16 June.

Stefan Gant, Lecturer in Drawing and New Media at the University, said: “The Sketchbook Today Symposium demonstrates our ongoing dedication to drawing at the University of Northampton, this time exploring the often hidden realm and changing face of the sketchbook.

“Almost everyone has had a sketchbook, even as a child. They are many things; where personal journeys take place, ideas pushed and where masterpieces begin.

“I invite artists, educators and the public to experience the sketchbook through our fantastic group of speakers.”

The Tate Gallery has offered to feature The Sketchbook Today exhibition through its online ‘Albums’ section, where sketchbooks by our students, international artists and Tate Archive sketchbooks will be displayed.

The online feature runs alongside an exhibition at the University’s Avenue Gallery, which showcases sketchbooks from current students, international artists and academic staff.

The Sketchbook Today takes place on Tuesday 16 June, between 9.30am and 4.30pm, in Maidwell Main Hall at the University’s Avenue Campus, St George’s Avenue, Northampton.

Tickets costing £15 for can be purchased online in the School of the Arts section of our shop.

More details about the symposium, and its associated exhibition, can be found on the Draw​ing Research Network website.