PROFESSIONAL artists, local art groups and primary and secondary school pupils will all be involved in the launch of the first event held by a new forum for the arts next month.

The Big Project is being launched by Creative St Albans at the Town Hall on Saturday, September 18, and among the items on show will be paintings, drawings and photography together with sculpture, ceramics and other three-dimensional art works by local and professional artists.

In addition there will be a display of art work from over 20 local primary and secondary schools.

A spokesperson for Creative St Albans said: “Encouraging people to get involved in the arts is one of our major goals so we want this event to be accessible to everyone. People will be able to get a taste of the creative work that goes on in the district and they’ll even be able to join in with some of the activities.”

The Ryder Room in the Town Hall is being given over to a mini art studio on the day where visitors can have a go at drawing with the help of local artists and their results displayed on the wall.

Karole Lange, who is co-ordinating the studio experience, said: “You’re never too old – or too young – to take up drawing. An arrangement of objects will be set up, there will be someone to offer advice if needed and we’ll provide pencils and paper. After that, it’s up to each person to have a go and hopefully discover a hidden talent.”

As well as visual arts, The Big Project will feature musicians, storytellers and performers in and around the Assembly Room and the Court Room with short films by local film makers being shown in the cells downstairs.

Any local artists or performers who would like to participate should contact Lyndsay Haynes on info@creativestalbans.org