El Blog

After a project that people have put a lot of hours, energies and hopes into it always takes a little time to put your emotions in place again and look back on the whole thing and evaluate it, and go on from there to plan future on the strength of all that has been learned.

In the case of Big Draw, all of us in the team have been going through this process. And at this very moment of immersion in the assessment, both positive and negative, and the planning of where to go in order to make the project grow — which we are now — we have just received a wonderful letter from Eileen Adams, Director of The Campaign for Drawing, the creators and organizers of this venture in London.

“Dear Anna,

I would like to thank you and your colleagues for giving me the opportunity to experience Barcelona?s first Big Draw! It was a splendid event! I was made to feel part of the team and appreciated all the kindness and support I received. My congratulations to everyone for such a wonderful occasion! Well done!

There were a number of factors that contributed to such a successful day. The research you had done beforehand meant that you understood completely the thinking that underpins the Big Draw. Your concept of providing something for the neighbourhood and supporting smaller organizations to participate was excellent. The planning, which involved so many museum staff, artists and other colleagues, was thorough. The organization was impressive – everyone worked with energy and good humour, making the experience enjoyable and memorable for everyone who took part. The management of such a complex undertaking was a challenge, however, everyone seemed to play their part very effectively.

I am full of admiration for what you have achieved with Barcelona?s first Big Draw!
I know that your efforts will inspire others, and I look forward to new developments!

Yours sincerely,

Power Drawing
Professional development programme, The Campaign for Drawing
cc. Pepe Serra, Sue Grayson Ford.”

To tell the truth, I can’t find the words to express how much the letter has moved me. But let me make it clear that it was addressed to me simply because I happen to be the contact person here at the Museum. In fact, the letter was also sent to congratulate Montse Morales, Bárbara Piffre, Mercè García, Marta Iglesias, Maria Alcover, Vanesa Rojas, Mireia Llorella, Cristina Martín, Manel Baena, Anna Bru, Pepe Serra, Salah Maulouli, América Sánchez, Philip Stanton, Javier Peñafiel, Pilarín Bayés, Pau Estrada, Papermind Fanzine, Òscar Guayabero, David Ymbernon, Miguel Gallardo, Curro Claret, Manolo Trullas, the Espai Brossa, La Puntual, Cercle Artístic Sant Lluc, Disseny Hub, the Escola Eina, Isa Mier, Virginie Gorzerino, Natalia Pérez, Pia, Txus Carretero, Amor Casanova, Martha Rangel, Judy Kaufmann, Alejandra Sánchez, Lucca Monterosso, Glòria Iglesias, Marisol Robertson and Isa García.

Many thanks to you all for your participation, and remember that all of the kind words in Eileen Adams’s letter are addressed to you. And thank you, Eileen, for your support throughout the process and for your warm response, and for allowing us to publish it.

Anna Guarro
Public Programmes