The Tribes of Salford

Taking inspiration from photos of Buffalo Bills Wild West Show to Salford in 1887 and the gift of a Totem Pole from British Columbia to the city in 1969 OCA artists will work with  “tribes” in Pendelton, Islington and Ordsall :and link with students at Red Cloud High Indian School at Pine Ridge Reservation South Dakota, where descendants of the Oglala Sioux from 1887 still live.

Our Big Draw History

Leslie Holmes is the lead artist who every year conjures up with an exciting idea for the BIG DRAW. Last year's project  “On The Allotment” won the top award in the country, engaging a green fingered group who were just starting up a new community Allotment. Leslie said ” The big draw is a great idea, it's about getting people who maybe think they can't draw to have a go at drawing and the challenge is to make it inventive and enjoyable”  

Last year's project had people creating drawings on postit notes and printing wallpapers from vegetables they had grown. Ordsall Community Arts other winning projects” Life at the Top” involved people in tower blocks around the city drawing views from the flats. “The Salford Birdman” was filmed in a strange old attic filled with drawings and models of birds. Their 2015 BIG DRAW which takes place throughout October is called “The Tribes of Salford”  and explores the cities link with Native American culture, from Buffalo Bill's Wild West show of 1887 to the Totem Pole presented to the city in 1969. To find out more visit the Big Draw website.

The Big Draw 2015

Images from last years prize winning "one The Allotments' Project