As Drawing Room prepares to mark its 25th anniversary in 2027, this twelfth edition of the Drawing Biennial gathers leading contemporary artists and shows that drawing remains a vital and lasting art form. And accessible to all.

The 2026 Drawing Biennial will showcase over 300 original works, all made just for this event. Artists from many backgrounds contribute, offering a wide range of global perspectives. Each artist creates a new drawing on A4 paper in any medium. Chosen by a varied committee, the artists explore themes like ecology, identity, spirituality, politics, and imagined worlds.

This year’s Biennial stands out for its strong group of artists with ties to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

More than 30 artists will share their distinctive visions, weaving together cultural heritage, contemporary concerns, and personal narratives. Featured artists include Maha Ahmed, Mahesh Baliga, Shiraz Bayjoo, Rana Begum, Huma Bhabha, Sutapa Biswas, Shailesh BR, Faiza Butt, Muhanned Cader, Nandini Chirimar, Lubna Chowdhary, Jai Chuhan, Jatinder Singh Durhailay, Simryn Gill, Alexander Gorlizki, Soma Surovi Jannat, Jasleen Kaur, Naiza Khan, Fiza Khatri, Suleman Aqeel Khilji, Radhika Khimji, Matthew Krishanu, Sameer Kulavoor, Haroon Mirza, Rupaneethan Pakkiyarajah, Hardeep Pandhal, Manisha Parekh, Prajakta Potnis, Saba Qizilbash, Saad Qureshi, Jagdeep Raina, Renuka Rajiv, Joydeb Roaja, Anupam Roy, Prasanta Sahu, Tanmoy Samanta, Amba Sayal-Bennett, Tai Shani, Shine Shivan, Gagan Singh, and Shaan Syed.

The free exhibition at Drawing Room in Bermondsey, London culminates in a two-week online auction fundraiser, with bidding starting at £400.

After the exhibition, every artwork will be available through an online auction on the Drawing Biennial website, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and supporters to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces by internationally acclaimed and emerging artists.

The bidding process is straightforward and open to all, with proceeds supporting Drawing Room’s future programmes and educational initiatives.

Bidding opens at 12 noon on 09 June and closes at 9pm 23 June 2026 (GMT)

Mark your calendar, bring your curiosity, and join in this global celebration of drawing in all its forms.

SAVE THE DATE

Exhibition Dates:

16 April - 23 June 2026

Exhibition Venue:

Drawing Room, Unit 1b New Tannery Way, Bermondsey, London, SE1 5WS

Free Admission/ Accessible Venue

We recommend that you check the venue website for opening times before visiting.