ANNUAL
REPORT
Urban Sketchers 2024 Annual Report
education & events
MISSION To raise the artistic, storytelling and educational value of on-location drawing, promoting its practice and connecting people around the world who draw on location where they live and travel.
MANIFESTO We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel. Our drawings are a record of time and place. We are truthful to the scenes we witness. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles. We support each other and draw together. We share our drawings online. We show the world, one drawing at a time.
COVER IMAGES (CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: PAVITHRA DEVADATTA (USk WELLINGTON); SKETCH BY USk MEMBER; USk BAYONNE
CONTENTS MISSION MANIFESTO LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 2024 AT A GLANCE CHAPTERS & VOLUNTEERS STRATEGIC PLANNING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS IN QUEZON CITY, THE PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL URBAN SKETCHERS WEEK USk SHOP 2024 URBAN SKETCHERS VOLUNTEERS 2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2024 ADVISORY BOARD 2024 KEY COMMITTEE MEMBERS EDUCATION USk WORKSHOP PROGRAM SYMPOSIUM CORRESPONDENTS SYMPOSIUM FACULTY MEETING USk EMERGING STORYTELLERS
HOW TO READ THE ANNUAL REPORT AS AN E-ZINE FOR EASIER READING ON ISSUU.COM SELECT FULL SCREEN.
2 2 4 6 8 10 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 15 16 16
USk REPORTAGE GRANT 2023 AND 2024/ 2025 SYMPOSIUM & FORWARD PLANNING EVENTS USk REGIONAL GRANT PROGRAM USK SYMPOSIUM HANDOVER & FUTURE SYMPOSIUMS COMMUNICATIONS #USKBUENOSAIRES 2024 SYMPOSIUM TOGETHER ON THE GROUND STORIES FROM THE SKETCHBOOK DRAWN FROM EXPERIENCE DRAWING ATTENTION FUNDRAISER THOSE WHO SHOW AND TELL DRAWING NEW PATHS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER 2024 GIVING TUESDAY: FILL THE PENCIL CAMPAIGN FINANCIAL REPORT SPONSORSHIP SPONSORS DONORS SUPPORT OUR MISSION
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ISSUU APP FOR IOS DEVICES CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ISSUU APP FOR ANDROID
18 20 20 24 34 36 36 38 39 40 41 42 42 43
44 45 46 46 48
A PDF VERSION IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 3
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
D
ear Urban Sketchers Community. 2024 was a year defined by connection, creativity, and collaboration. Across continents, sketchers came together through workshops, regional events, symposiums, chapter gatherings, and solo outings, bringing our shared passion for on-location sketching to life.
The 12th International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a highlight of the year. Participants explored the city’s streets, plazas, and cafés, capturing its energy while learning from a talented and diverse faculty. Workshops, demos, sketchwalks, and lectures offered countless opportunities to connect, experiment, and grow as artists. Volunteers and the local organizing team worked tirelessly to ensure a welcoming, seamless experience, leaving attendees with memories to last a lifetime. Beyond the Symposium, regional events strengthened local sketching communities. From Paraty to Penang, Racine to Nagpur, and London, chapters hosted exhibitions, sketchfests, and collaborative drawing sessions, creating spaces for members to connect closer to home. Our committees played a vital role in supporting these efforts. Across education, events, communications, membership, sponsorship, and finance, their work nurtured community, enabled learning, and helped keep the global Urban Sketchers network vibrant and accessible. Communications and publications — from social media highlights to Drawing Attention and the Global Sketchbook — shared the sights, stories, and experiences of our members worldwide, offering inspiration and connection throughout the year.
4 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
letter from the president
As 2024 drew to a close, so did my time as President. Since joining the Board in 2020 as Vice President, I had the privilege of witnessing — and learning from — the extraordinary dedication of our community. It wasn’t just the events, programs, or milestones that I will remember; it was the moments of shared laughter, the encouragement between sketchers and the connections made because of our shared passion. I stepped away with gratitude and a sense of deep connection to this community. Thank you to every volunteer, chapter leader, and member who gave their time, ideas, and energy in 2024. Urban Sketchers is, and always will be, a community of people who see, draw, and share the world together — and it has been an honor to serve alongside you. With heartfelt thanks, Genine Carvalheira President, Urban Sketchers (2022–2024)
BUENOS AIRES SYMPOSIUM SKETCH BY SUHITA SHIRODKAR 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 5
57
NEW CHAPTERS
MARIELLE DURAND
2024 AT A GLANCE
education & events
6 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
1,793
DRAWING ATTENTION new subscribers
18,437
total DRAWING ATTENTION subscribers
10 new Reportage Grants
2024 at a glance
1 5
New Symposium announced New Regional Events worldwide
14,548
new followers across all Urban Sketchers social media platforms USk HONG KONG
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 7
CHAPTERS & VOLUNTEERS The Membership Team saw new leadership this year, and the transition was a smooth one. Ronaldo Kurita, who has served as a volunteer with the Urban Sketchers Membership Team since 2014, stepped into the role of Vice President and Membership Director. His deep familiarity with the team and its processes allowed the team to maintain momentum and continue its work seamlessly from the first day of the year. A total of 57 new applying groups were added onto the global family of official USk Chapters, bringing the world total number of cities with an official chapter to 489.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES / TOOLS We moved the GAC from December to January and we had a good attendance of chapter admins and EB members as it happened a couple of hours before a EB monthly meeting. Many questions were answered and successful experiences shared.
MEMBERSHIP TEAM MEETING We had a meeting to check our procedures and think of better ways to work on the process to mentor and review aspiring chapters. We created a Logo template on Canva to help admins to customize their own. We created regional email addresses @urbansketchers.org and shared accounts on Trello to avoid paying pro subscription. This was also a response to Regional Coordinators requests. We also decided to add (ISO) country code to chapters whose city has the same name as previous approved chapters. 8 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
MEMBERSHIP TEAM UPDATES A total of 3 new members were added to the Membership Team in 2024 as Regional Coordinators. They are:
• Judith Dollar (USA), RC for North America • Eleana Zaritovskaya (Canada), RC for North America • Angie Kohon (Portugal), RC for Europe Additionally, Isabel Santos is no longer a Regional Coordinator but continues to serve on the Membership Team as Documents Manager. Mary Jo left the team after becoming the new Fundraising Director on the Executive Board.
COMMUNITY BUILDING (ACTIVITIES & TEAM GROWTH) During the Buenos Aires Symposium in October, we held a touch-base meeting with about 30 chapter administrators. We had a productive discussion on how to use social media more effectively to promote chapter activities.
chapters & volunteers
GLOBAL SURVEY As part of a strategic priority to better understand our community, we conducted a Global Survey. The survey provided valuable insights into our global USk family and helped committees plan and implement informed actions. The survey was translated into multiple languages using translator apps and then carefully reviewed for accuracy by a dedicated team of volunteers, guided by Translation Coordinator, François Vaudour, with Isabel Santos.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 9
STRATEGIC PLANNING & COMMUNITY EVENTS
QUEZON CITY, THE PHILIPPINES
ANNETTE MORRIS WORKSHOP IN QUEZON CITY (‘SEEING BIG — SKETCHING SMALLER’)
The Executive Board met in Quezon City, Philippines, for three days of strategic planning focused on our four priorities: Outreach, Financial Stability, Volunteer Development, and Online Community. The Board held productive discussions to review progress, advance ongoing activities, and set clear next steps. Beyond this annual in-person meeting, the EB meets monthly to monitor progress, make operational decisions, and maintain momentum across programs and initiatives. Guided by the President, Genine Carvalheira and Vice President,
10 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Ronaldo Kurita the local USk Quezon City team organized a special community event, involving participants from USk Manila, USk Cebu, and aspiring chapter USk Batangas. EB members - Genine Carvalheira, Annette Morris, Eric Ngan, Maria Regina Tuazon, and Mohan Banerji, along with local instructors - Rocksty Bacungan, Aurelio Castro, and Ian De Jesus, led workshops and lectures. The event began with a town hall where sketchers shared best practices and experiences, and EB members answered questions about chapter support and successful initiatives. The two-day event concluded with sketch walks led by the local team.
strategic planning & community events
LEFT: MARIA REGINA TUAZON’S WORKSHOP IN QUEZON CITY (‘MANY VIEWS ONE STORY’)
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 11
USk SHOP On May 8, 2024, we launched the USk Shop offering a curated range of exclusive products available solely through the Urban Sketchers website.
International Urban Sketchers Week From May 1–7, Urban Sketchers launched its first annual USk Week, a global celebration of on-location drawing. The initiative invited sketchers worldwide to attend or host events, sharing the joy and meaning of urban sketching. The community response was outstanding, with over 182 events listed on the website map. The site also provided resources including guides on hosting events, 100 sketching ideas, and a selection of new limited-edition products from the USk Shop. The initiative was championed by Annette Morris and supported by a dedicated team of volunteers including Gordana Markovic, Pei-Luk Low, Scott Renk, Dorothée Timmermans, Ronaldo Kurita, Shilpi Gupta, Maria Regina Tuazon. International USk Week logo was designed by Simon Taylor, member and admin of USk Curitiba. 12 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
From hoodies, T‑shirts, jackets, and hats to sketching‑friendly accessories, USk Shop offered items that let members and supporters show their USk pride while enjoying on‑location drawing and travel. Shilpi Gupta, Secretary, managed the shop, ensuring smooth operations and a high-quality experience for all supporters. Each product is made to order as soon as a purchase is placed. This year, limited-edition merchandise was also introduced for USk Week and the Symposium, giving members exclusive items to celebrate these events. We sincerely thank all members and supporters who purchased merchandise from USk Shop. Sales from the shop help support the organization’s activities and growth. Explore the shop at urbansketchers.org/shop
VOLUNTEERS 2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD President Genine Carvalheira
Ronaldo Kurita
Education Director Annette Morris
Secretary Shilpi Gupta
Treasurer Kris Mordecai
Events Director Eric Ngan
Communications Director Maria Regina Tuazon
Sponsorship Director Mohan Banerji (through to Sept 2024)
Fundraising Director
Vice-President
Mary Jo Ernst (since Oct 2024) (previously Sponsorship Director) 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 13
urban skethers volunteers
2024 ADVISORY BOARD
2024 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jason Das Suma CM Amber Sausen Elizabeth Alley Jessie Chapman Tia Boon Sim Paul Wang Peggy Wong Rob Sketcherman Richard Alomar
Akshatha Narayana Alvin Wong Amy Gowans Angie Kohon Cathy Gutterman Christina Wald Dave Black Donald Saluling Ed Harker Eleana Zaritovskaya Elisabeth H Berge Farah Irani François Vaudour Flora Wang Gordana Mark Hanna Rachwalsky Inma Lazo Isabella Santos Ivan Jerônimo Jana Hoffman Jane Blundell Janelle Sibauste Janice Ng Javier Ariza Jessie Chapman Judith Dollar Keesung Song Leigh Ferst Leoni Andrews Linda Thompson Lolo Wagner Ludwine Van Craenenbroeck Marcela Vargas
2024 KEY COMMITTEE MEMBERS CONTENT PUBLICATION TEAM: Content Publication team: Jane Wingfield Anne Taylor Olga Surmacheva
Javier Mas Pinturas, Membership Coordinator Christina Wald, Social Media Coordinator
14 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Margaret Pettis Maria Skrzypiec Mark Leibowitz Mary Jo Ernst Mona Kwon Murray Dewhurst Nina Johansson Pei Luk Low Peter Richards Raylie Dunkel Rob Sketcherman Rohit Kulkarni Ronaldo Kurita Sandy H Scott Wilson Shari Blaukopf Shruti Vijay Steeven Mousang Stef Thelwell Virginia Hein Xana Jazmin Youngseok Oh Yvonne Frindle
education & events
EDUCATION 2024 was an exciting year of transition and development for USk Education. In January, the Education Committee completed reviews of 189 proposals for the 13th International Urban Sketchers Symposium, which took place in Buenos Aires in October 2024.
Within the proposals there was an impressive array of topics to assess across different mediums, styles and techniques. The shortlist included 20% new instructors and a balance of instructors from all around the world. The final faculty line-up for 2024, as selected by the Symposium Committee (which includes all members of the Executive Board), included 22 Urban Sketchers instructors, 6 additional activity/demo presenters and five lecturers.
USk WORKSHOP PROGRAM Beyond workshops at the Symposium, the USk Workshop Program is designed to empower educators around the world. As an official Urban Sketchers instructor the program offers global exposure for inspirational artists and mentors. If you would like to run an official Urban Sketchers workshop in 2025/6, apply via the website here.
SYMPOSIUM CORRESPONDENTS
SYMPOSIUM WORKSHOP IN PROGRESS
In February 2024 the open call for local, sketch and video correspondents was released for the Buenos Aires Symposium. Over 60+ applications were received from around the world. The assessment panel included Genine Cavailheira, Ronaldo Kurita, Annette Morris, Maria Regina Tuazon, Christina Wald and Xana Jasmin from the Social Media team and Norberto Dorantes from the local Buenos Aires team. 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 15
The final selected correspondents were Jeroen Janssen (sketch), Gary Bingner (video) and Olano Ignacio (local).
SYMPOSIUM FACULTY MEETING Prior to the official opening of the Buenos Aires Symposium, all 2024 faculty members attended a meeting on 9 October facilitated by Education Director, Annette Morris. This unique opportunity led to dynamic and inspiring conversations, the sharing of advice and experience giving valuable feedback on the relationship between instructors and the organization, and how we can move forward together to enhance and develop the quality of teaching and learning within the realms of on-location drawing. Reconnecting with shared goals, the outcome of the meeting was extremely positive. Conversations highlighted that drawing is a universal language and that the global Urban Sketchers community offers inspiration and connection, plus endless opportunities for learning.
2024 FACULTY MEETING, BUENOS AIRES 16 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
USk EMERGING STORYTELLERS In May, USk Education partnered with watercolour manufacturer Roman Szmal to encourage younger sketchers (aged 18-25) to explore urban sketching and publish their work on social platforms. The project ‘Sketching in Melody’ by Prajna Kumaraswamy (India), was selected to receive a luxury goody bag of Roman Szmal products, 500 USD plus a free Sketch Pass to the next Symposium. We hope to repeat this exciting new opportunity in 2025!
SKETCHES BY PRAJNA KUMARASWAMY
More information on this program here 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 17
education & events
USk REPORTAGE GRANT 2024 Reportage and visual storytelling is at the heart of urban sketching. The reportage grant program distributes microgrants to give aspiring artist-reporters an opportunity to develop projects dedicated to sharing stories about their local communities, traditions, and current social issues. Selected reportage projects illustrate incredible and fascinating stories from around the world. Through September and October 2024 a panel of eight judges (Annette Morris, Ludi VC, Jeroen Janssen, Mat Let, Rita Sabler, Suhita Shirodkar, Rob Sketcherman, Shari Blaukopf (reviewed over 50 project applications for reportage grants in 2024. A final 4 projects were selected
• Delphine Zigoni (France) – In the wake of scientists • Jorge Ossa (Colombia) – Air traffic control- How
does it keep you safe? • Laura Carrer & Elena Mistrello (Italy/Ireland) – Borders, boundaries, walls. How physical and social division affects young people in Belfast • Lía Navarro (Argentina) – Rescue and Cultural Record of the Central Workshops of YPF (Fiscal oilfields) Watch for the publication of these winning projects on our website and the upcoming issues of Drawing Attention.
RIGHT: DELPHINE ZIGONI’S PROJECT ‘IN THE WAKE OF SCIENTISTS
More information on the 2024 winners here 18 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
education
2025 SYMPOSIUM & FORWARD PLANNING In October 2024, Urban Sketchers released the Call for Programming for the 2025 Symposium in Poznań. Members of the Education Committee were then tasked with assessing workshop proposals through the remainder of the year.
In December a number of Education proposals were submitted to the Executive Board for grants and projects in 2025, subject to funding being available.
POZNAŃ ORGANIZERS
If you would like to support the development of urban sketching education on a local or international level, we would be delighted to hear from you. 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 19
EVENTS A word to encapsulate the Events programme of 2024 is: “Momentum”. Building on the previous seasons’ of programming, consistent teams, familiarity of workstreams, and constant refinement of processes meant some good momentum was built up. This has enabled some good work to be done on future planning of the Regional Events grant programme and the International Symposium. Season 3 of the returning Regional Events Grant funding programme saw another five chapters receive funding and the calendar season was planned from June 2024 to March 2025. Concurrently, planning continued with fortnightly meetings for the 12th International USk Symposium in Buenos Aires Argentina 9-12 October 2024. This host city was revealed with
big fanfare at the closing reception of the Auckland Symposium. Further, host city selection was confirmed for the 13th International Symposium in Poznan, Poland. Fortnightly planning meetings began in May 2024, alternating weeks with Buenos Aires meetings.
USk REGIONAL GRANT PROGRAM Season three of the Regional Events Grant funding programs was successfully delivered in 2024. A key difference this season was changing the calendar forecast of scheduled events to be within one calendar year, to be spread across two years - from June 2024 to March 2025. This was in response to feedback that this suited the planning timeframes that many chapters preferred. Objectives of the Regional Events Grant Program were to
The USK Regional Events Grant Program is set up to assist USk chapters in the delivery of regional urban sketching events. Bigger than local — smaller than international — but always connecting the community. Innovation is key to growth, and we know our USk chapters are bursting with creativity. We’d love to hear about your event ideas, and what you need to be able to enhance them. Let us know if a funding grant of up to 2,000 USD will take your USk event to the next level. 20 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
regional events grants program
equip and assist USk Chapters in hosting bigger events than their regular chapter sketch outings; build a stronger regional sketching community, empower Chapters to organise and create new types of events and activities, find ways to use Urban Sketching to reach out to communities beyond USk and, finally, create a more accessible, sustainable alternative [i.e. less international / long distance travel] for those who cannot attend the USk Symposium.
Ten proposals were received and assessed by Genine Carvalheira, Ronaldo Kurita, Eric Ngan, and Committee member Janice Ng. From a pool of 10,000 USD, five regional events were funded 2,000 USD each to deliver their programmes. This cash injection was supplemented with advice and guidance made available from respective USk Board members - Sponsorship, Treasurer, Education, Communication, and Events. There was a useful spread of locations around the globe across four continents and calendar timings stretched across the 12 month period. Season 3 was announced via Instagram Live with Eric Ngan interviewing funding recipient Margaret de Bree from USk Johannesburg, South Africa. This recording is uploaded to You Tube.
USk Paraty, Brasil USk Penang, Malaysia USk Racine Wisconsin, USA USk Nagpur, India USk London, England
USk RACINE
VI Encontro Urban Sketchers Brasil Paraty (6th Urban 30, 31 May 1, 2 June 2024 Sketchers Brasil National Meeting 2024 - Paraty) Asia Link Sketch Walk 1-4 August 2024 Sketch Racine
6-8 Sept 2024
Sketch Fest Nagpur USk London Exhibition
1-9 November 2024 29 March-5th April 2025 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 21
22 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
regional events grants program
Please email if you would like to know more about hosting a USk event. Let us know if a funding grant of up to 2000 USD will take your USk event to the next level. The Regional Events Grant program is set to continue in 2025. ASIAN LINK SKETCH WALK
Important dates to remember:
“The 2000 USD Regional Grant was imperative for the success of our event and bringing growth to our newly formed UsK Racine chapter. I highly recommend it continue!” — USk Racine, USA
• January 17-March 17 Proposals submission period • Mid-April Successful proposals announced
“Overall it has been a great experience. We’re grateful for the support we received. We had great feedback from visitors, friends/family and volunteers. The event was a huge success. Many lessons were learnt, that we will take forward to our future events.” — USk London, UK 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 23
PRE-SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMMES
USk SYMPOSIUM
Three programmes were delivered prior to the official opening: • Instructors’ Meeting: Led by Annette Morris and Ludwine Van Craenenbroeck to enhance faculty interaction and preparedness. • Schools Programme: Coordinated by Cecilia Novello, introducing students to Urban Sketching and providing art materials.
The 12th International Urban Sketchers Symposium was hosted by the USk Buenos Aires Chapter from 9–12 October 2024. The event branding featured “Bandi,” a mascot inspired by the traditional bandoneon, with Buenos Aires’ iconic Obelisco incorporated into the visual identity. In keeping with USk tradition, the Giant Pencil was formally passed from USk Auckland to USk Buenos Aires. The Symposium gathered 365 participants from 31 countries, with 67% attending for the first time. The event headquarters (Hub) was located at the Universidad Católica Argentina (UCA).
THE SCHOOLS PROGRAM GAVE STUDENTS AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF URBAN SKETCHERS, RECEIVED A RANGE OF EXCELLENT ART MATERIALS AND DID SOME SKETCHING.
More information on this program here 24 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
ABOVE: FACULTY TOUR: A CULTURAL ORIENTATION INCLUDING A MATE CEREMONY, MUSEUM VISIT, AND GROUP LUNCH
TOP: FACULTY PARTICIPATING IN THE TRADITIONAL MATE CEREMONY ABOVE: FACULTY TOUR
See more about the Argentinian mate (‘mah-tay’) herbal drink ceremony here 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 25
SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
PERFORMANCE BY FEDERICO VALLEJOS
PARTICIPANTS WERE WELCOMED BY USK PRESIDENT GENINE CARVALHEIRA, ACCOMPANIED BY LIVE MUSIC FROM LOCAL PERFORMERS
Twenty workshops were offered over three days. Two instructor withdrawals reduced the original count but did not affect overall engagement.
OLIVER HOELLER ‘S WORKSHOP
Twenty demos and three activities were available, with attendance varying from 16 to 40 participants. Locations across the city provided diverse sketching opportunities.
26 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
CH’NG KIAH KIEAN’S WORKSHOP
symposium
ELEANOR DOUGHTY’S DEMO
The lecture scheduling was redesigned: • Two 30-minute concurrent sessions offered each morning • Sessions followed Morning Briefings to streamline attendance • Many reached standing-room capacity, confirming a successful format.
Twenty workshops were offered over three days. Two instructor withdrawals reduced the original count but did not affect overall engagement. Sketchwalks throughout Buenos Aires offered participants opportunities to explore and draw in varied urban environments.
SKETCHWALK
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 27
The Art Market featured sponsor booths and was open to the public. While well attended, venue access controls limited visibility. Plans for future events will prioritise open access and clearer directional signage.
PREMIER SPONSOR 28 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
symposium
The 2024 Symposium correspondents documented and shared the Symposium experience
Jeroen Janssen International Symposium Sketch Correspondent
Gary Bingner
International Symposium Video Correspondent
Ignacio Olano
Local Symposium Video Correspondent 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 29
Approximately 50 volunteers participated, with 30–35 scheduled per day. Duties included registration, information desk, venue setup, sponsor support, clean-up, and workshop assistance. The Hi-Viz vest system, introduced in Auckland, proved effective again. Ten scholarships were awarded, focused on students and individuals identified by the Local Organizing Committee for their contribution to the Buenos Aires sketching community. Community Event: A Drink & Draw: Hosted at Kraken Bar, with a 20% participant discount at Café Martinez. Future venues will prioritise quieter spaces for sketching.
Final Group Photo: Challenges with lighting and stair configuration provided useful future learnings. 30 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
symposium
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 31
The Closing Reception included performances (tango, music, football juggler), acknowledgements, and volunteer recognition. Silent Auction & Raffle: Prizes were donated by sponsors; ticket sales were strong. Highvalue prizes were announced onstage, culminating in the Free Pass to the next Symposium, awarded to Ana Conceição.
Silent Auction: 57 sketches were donated. Future improvement includes exploring online bidding.
THE SILENT AUCTION
32 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
symposium
BELOW: WINNER OF THE FREE PASS IS ANA CONCEIÇÃO, WHO IS ALSO THE PORTUGUESE CORRESPONDENT. AN UNAFFILIATED POSITION WITH THE SYMPOSIUM BUT A ROLE THAT PORTUGUESE CHAPTERS COORDINATE INDEPENDENTLY.
BACKSTAGE PRODUCTION UNDERWAY - CHRISTINA WALD (LEFT) AND JANICE NG (RIGHT)
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 33
Key Challenges & Lessons: The 2024 Symposium faced several logistical and operational challenges, including: • Payment System Limitations: PayPal restrictions in Argentina required the addition of an alternative payment method (Stripe). • Venue Access Controls: UCA’s strict entry requirements required the implementation of a QR-code system for all participants. • Customs Delays: Sponsor materials were delayed at customs, highlighting the need for earlier coordination. • Goodie Bag and Printing Delays: Late deliveries required rapid onsite solutions. • Slower-than-expected Ticket Sales: Economic conditions in Argentina impacted registration numbers. These experiences informed a strengthened “no surprises” planning approach for future events, with earlier risk identification, improved coordination procedures, and more robust venue and logistics assessment.
34 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
HANDOVER & FUTURE SYMPOSIUMS
The reveal of the 13th International Urban Sketchers Symposium location Poznań, Poland (20–23 August 2025) was presented via video (audio issues occurred during the live reveal). 2025 POZNAŃ PLANNING Google Drive workspace established • Workstream planning underway • Organizing Committee WhatsApp groups formed • Branding features the Poznań street-art icon ‘Mr. Periscope (The Watcher)’ by artist Noriaki Kasai
Are you interested in hosting an Urban Sketchers Symposium? We are accepting applications all year, so if you want to know what it takes and what you need, don’t hesitate to contact us! See our online application form and further details here.
Poznań planning
LEFT: The giant pencil was handed
over from B.A.’s Norberto Dorantes (left) to Marek Badzynski (right), who represented USk Poland. Not pictured but very important was Agnieska Malarska, who coordinated the volunteers. The local Symposium team joined the official handover virtually and can be seen on the screen behind (L-R, Katarzyna Kosiak, Dora Pindur, Justyna Wojnowska, Paulina Kowalczyk). 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 35
COMMUNICATIONS SKETCHING OUT LOUD In 2024, it’s a focus on collaboration. Our communications team kept the community informed but just as importantly, made space for community voices to shape the story. Where previously we had takeovers, this year we invited collaboration into our reels, handed over the mic to local chapters, and let them bring their unique energy into our platforms as a team.
#USKBUENOSAIRES2024 SYMPOSIUM: TOGETHER ON THE GROUND The Buenos Aires Symposium marked our first bilingual messaging in our announcements and posts. Hand in hand with our volunteers and local organizing team, we aimed to
36 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
make the information more accessible especially to our host chapter, their region, and our Spanish-speaking community. It reflects our commitment to inclusivity. This year, we added videos straight from instructors and presenters to give our Symposium participants a better glimpse of our inspiring educational offerings and faculty. We onboarded our correspondents earlier than previous years, connecting them to enable collaboration and explore our tools with ample time. It definitely improved their workflow, minimizing technical hurdles, and finding solutions ahead of time.
communications
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 37
education & events
38 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
education global sketchbook & events
STORIES FROM THE GLOBAL SKETCHBOOK Our Global Sketchbook got more submissions from sketchers worldwide. It offered a quiet place to speak out loud. We thank all the contributors for sharing stories that are close to their hearts and what mattered to them. In 2024, we had 77 published sketches with narratives from sketchers all around the world, 60 more than the previous year. Sketches made in waiting rooms, on protest lines, through grief. Drawings that document not just place, but emotion. Of travel. Of reunion. Of sketching with friends in a new city and finding a sense of belonging through paper and pen. We celebrate styles. Bold ink, gentle watercolor, spontaneous scribbles, and the individuality each sketcher brings to the shared practice of drawing from observation. And the volunteers who supported in publishing them? They listened. They felt seen in the stories they read, and gave that same gift in return. Everyone got enriched in the process!
DRAWN FROM EXPERIENCE We added more community stories to the website specially from our volunteers and generous donors, sharing why they give back. Something to note is that our biggest donors are from our Advisory Board.
If you would like to contribute to our Global Sketchbook, make sure not to forget the storytelling ingredient. We would love to see your work there. Check out the guidelines here. 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 39
education & events
DRAWING ATTENTION Drawing Attention is a truly beautiful labor of love from our editorial team, carrying inspiring stories from the field and from around the world. The featured stories, demos, and chapter highlights are each a window into a sketcher’s world, reminding us how many ways there are to see.
Subscribe to Drawing Attention... it’s free 40 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
educationfundraiser & events
During our year-end fundraiser, we shared personal testimonies to show the impact of our programs that are powered by donations we receive. Rooted in real stories, it moved people to give.
Continuing to share the stories and the impact of Urban Sketchers, its programs, and drawing on location hopefully
would inspire others to keep drawing, support, and keep the movement going.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 41
THOSE WHO SHOW AND TELL Our team had its ebbs and flows. It grew, thanks to the Volunteer Interest Form. What we see on all our communication channels is the work of our passionate volunteers who are dedicated sketchers and strong team collaborators. In between their very busy lives and working in different time zones, they make it happen behind the scenes with a strong spirit of support and teamwork.
DRAWING NEW PATHS We opened up Blue Sky, made contact with our remaining Flickr admin, added more posts on LinkedIn, and even started curating boards on Pinterest. There were a lot of ideas from the team but even when all hands are on deck, there is definitely room for more. Volunteers are are at the heart of Urban Sketchers. In 2024, Amy Gowans joined the team as Volunteer Coordinator, supporting outreach to potential volunteers and assisting with matching individuals to appropriate teams. If you’re keen to join us, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and we’d be happy to see how we can work and have fun together! 42 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
For those whose time it was to go, they walked with a clear mark that made a lasting contribution, not just to the organization but to the community and their own lives. With uncontrollable algorithms, diminishing efficiency of hashtags, we invited collaborations between our departments to combine our strengths. This hopefully, in the future, will help us spread the word and be able to represent our diverse community better.
fundraiser
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER: 2024 GIVING TUESDAY — FILL THE PENCIL CAMPAIGN After months of coordinated planning among the Fundraising, Communications, and Finance committees, Urban Sketchers successfully launched the 2024 Fill the Pencil Giving Tuesday campaign on December 1. The campaign highlighted the impact of our work through member stories,
local chapter features, and testimonials showcasing the grant programs made possible by our community. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters—and the dedicated involvement of our Advisory Board—we surpassed our fundraising goal of $10,000, raising a total of $11,122. This marks our most successful Giving Tuesday effort to date and underscores the growing commitment to sustaining Urban Sketchers’ mission worldwide.
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 43
FINANCIAL REPORT REVENUE SPONSORSHIPS DONATIONS SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATIONS USk SHOP PROCEEDS Total Income
27,955 12,905 103,909 3,333 155,517
EXPENSES Programming Expenses SYMPOSIUM EXPENSES GRANTS + AWARDS DISTRIBUTED SUBSCRIPTIONS + DUES WEB & DESIGN SERVICES PUBLISHING SERVICES Subtotal Programming Expenses
141,494 12,200 5,199 7,782 528 167,203
Operating & Financing Expenses ACCOUNTING EXPENSES
1,475
FINANCING EXPENSES INSURANCE MEETING & EVENT EXPENSES FUNDRAISING EXPENSES POSTAGE & MAILING EXPENSES PRINTING & COPYING EXPENSES
1,146 4,513 31,446 4,548 517 87
SUPPLIES SUBSCRIPTIONS & DUES OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES Subtotal Operating & Financing Expenses Total Expenses NET REVENUE
44 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
266 489 3,728 48,214 215,417 (59,900)
SPONSORSHIP 2024 was a landmark year. Milestones included dozens of elections (none perhaps more important than that for the US President), the climate crisis, moon missions and AI. The urban sketching community had a milestone of its own.
Despite the above, the Symposium attendees loved their goody bags! The Art Market with 12+ brands represented, pleased the sponsors and attendees alike. What’s more, the Sponsorship team helped facilitate negotiations, enabling Daniel Smith to sell in Argentina for the first time, by introducing them to Libreria Catalinas.
The 12th International Urban Sketchers Symposium was scheduled for 9-12 October, and the focus from the start of the year was on getting sponsors on board. While all sponsors had received the Sponsorship program in 4Q2023, face to face meetings were held with 24 companies at Creativeworld Frankfurt over 27-29 January. Despite problems of lack of distribution, logistical nightmares associated with shipping time frames and potential customs pitfalls, agreements were signed with seven key sponsors, with Hahnemuhle agreeing to be the Premier Sponsor!
In addition to the Buenos Aires Symposium, Sponsorship worked with Education and sponsor Roman Szmal on the Emerging Storyteller Project, helped facilitate sponsorship for the Regional Grant Events, and started planning for the 13th International Urban Sketchers Symposium, to be held in Poznan, Poland in August 2025.
Over the next few months, agreements were signed with a further 23 sponsors. In keeping with our strategic objective of reaching out to new sponsors, 9 were first time sponsors! This included a mix of 6 retailers, distributors and an educational institution based in Argentina. Unfortunately, not everything went the way they should have. Problems with Argentinian Customs resulted in considerable stock donated by sponsors (Clairefontaine, Brevillier Cretacolor, Leuchtturm1917 and Tom’s Studio to name a few) never getting through at all!
Finally, 2024 saw some changes to the team. Mohan Banerji, the Sponsorship Director’s term on the Executive Board ended in October. Mary Jo Ernst, took over as the new Fundraising Director, responsible for both fundraising (Norbert Obier joined the team as Fundraising Coordinator in July), and sponsorship (with Young Oh continuing as the Sponsorship Coordinator for Asia Pacific).
2024 ANNUAL REPORT 45
SPONSORS Blick Art Bag Blick Borceani&Bonazzi Clairefontaine Colart Cretacolor Da Vinci Daniel Smith Derwent Escoda Etchr Golden Gwartzmans Hahnemuehle Lamy Leuchtturm1917 Liberia Catalinas Quarto Rohrer&Klingner Roman Szmal Rosemary& Co SMLT Strathmore Viarco
DONORS Ada Fraticelli Alexander Charner Allison Strauss Amber Sausen 46 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
Ana Lucía Araya Anna Rappaport Anne-Marie Armstrong Annett Witteler Annie Demko Bruce Alexander Carlos Bledel Charles Piper Charles Stull Chelsea Schneider Chiemi Freund Christiane Becker Christina Wald Christopher Goedert Cindy Robbins Claudia Freitas Claudia Uhder Daffodil Creations Dana Renfand Daniel Green David DeVaul Deborah Walker DesignThinkingDrawing Dietmar Stiller Donna Williams Edyta Hetman Eileen P. Goldenberg Elizabeth Alley Ewa Kozakiewicz Fernanda Paula Gayle Lalich Gordana Mark
Gracia Estopiñá Landete Heinz Hornung-Werner Helen Parker Ingrid Hajek Inhong Park Isabel Santos James Hobbs Janice Ng Jara Ocaňa Mendoza Jessie Chapman Jonathan Fenske Judith Dollar Judy Flanagan Judy Kistler-Robinson Kathryn Grantz Keith Thomas Kenneth Moore Kris Mordecai Kristina Matveeva Laura Rijvers Lawrence Gottlieb Leonie Andrews Linda Hughey Linda Moore Linda Price Lis Watkins Manuel Carrera Margaret Maguire Maria Regina Tuazon Marie-Hélène Brohan Delhaye Marion Schatz Mary Jo Ernst
sponsorship
Matthew Blythe Meike Post Melissa McCullough Mike Dodds Mohan Banerji Nathalie Renotte Neil Whitehead Nicolle Pratt Patrick Genereux Paul Wang Peggy Gillen Peggy Wong Piece Time Renata Brito Richard Alomar Rob Sketcherman Robert Bosgraaf Ronald S. Pinkerton San Schroe Sharon Roy Shipla Kaushik Silke Knopf Stephanie Bower Stephanie C. Thoma Stephanie Woerner Stephen Beale Steve Johnson Steven White Suhita Shirodkar Suma CM Susan Shockey Tilda Van Well
Urban Sketchers Racine USK Suwon Yanhua Cheng
TOUR TO UZBEKISTAN 2024 ANNUAL REPORT 47
SUPPORT OUR MISSION HELP US BRING URBAN SKETCHERS TO EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE. • BECOME A SPONSOR – MATCHING GIFT – SPONSOR INSTRUCTOR FOR A WORKSHOP • START OR HELP LEAD A CHAPTER • VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME • GIVE THROUGH AMAZON SMILE
48 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
PHOTO: GARY BINGNER
our mission
USk PENANG
USk CATALUNYA
USk SYMPOSIUM, BUENOS AIRES
© 2024 Urban Sketchers www.urbansketchers.org