We are a global art, environmental education and conservation charity with drawing, one of the oldest forms of communication, at its core. Founded by artist Jane Lee McCracken, to share her passions for drawing and wildlife, we partner with international wildlife charity Born Free, conservationists, artists, educators and cultural institutions. Through our art, education, exhibition and conservation fundraising projects we give children, communities and wildlife a voice. Click on the video to see Drawing for the Planet's story:
Our impact
Our projects have reached communities in 20 countries across 5 continents. Over 6,500 children and 1,000 adults have participated to raise awareness of 1,730+ species through their drawings. We have held 6 exhibitions in museums, art galleries and schools and presented participating schools with 15 murals and over 50 prints featuring drawings by their children. We have donated funds to 13 conservation organisations to support their vital work.
About Our Projects
Our projects give the gift of art and nature to urban and rural communities across the planet. Through our workshops children learn about and connect with nature and the wildlife they draw, and through the exhibitions Jane curates and the murals she creates, children have the exciting opportunity to see their drawings displayed in public spaces. We believe education is a key component to reversing the biodiversity crisis and through art, we nurture compassion towards wildlife, and empower children and communities to take collective responsibility for Earth's precious ecosystems. If we care, we want to conserve.
Drawing for the Planet is a 100% volunteer run non-profit
Your donations support our global art and environmental education projects teaching communities to love and respect wildlife, as well as understand the threats many species are facing and how we can help conserve them. 100% of donations received go directly to our projects. We donate a percentage of project funds to conservation organisations we partner with to support their vital work protecting vulnerable species.
From the iconic to the obscure our planet is rich with awe-spiring species, each beautiful in its own unique way, each playing a vital role in its ecosystem. Through the exquisite drawings of generations of artists explore and learn about magical wild animals from across the globe.
Jane Lee McCracken constructs intricate multi-layered Biro (ballpoint pen) drawings, sculptures, installations and designs products. Her work represents the beauty of life and its brutal realities, exploring the loss to both humans and animals caused by human destructiveness.
Over the last decade, she has raised funds for conservation organisations through her art and delivered drawing and environmental education workshops to thousands of people across the world. In 2019 she founded the Where Did All the Animals Go? project in partnership with Born Free. The project exhibition featuring 700 drawings by children from five continents is on permanent display at the Great North Museum: Hancock, UK. In 2021 she founded Drawing for the Planet. Explore Jane's art:
Jane's enthusiasm is infectious and her talent prodigious. Her love of wildlife and her ability to communicate that love to young artists, encouraging them to explore new subjects and new mediums, was there for all to see when I had the privilege of attending the 'Where did all the animals go?’ exhibition on the 22nd June. I am full of admiration for her work and for her passion to inspire the next generation to care about the natural world around us.
Will Travers OBE, Co-Founder Born Free
Born Free are thrilled to be partnered with the Where Did All The Animals Go? project. It is so exciting to have seen how engaged children across the globe have been, drawing and learning about both iconic animals, and lesser known endangered species. On every continent wildlife is coming under increasing pressure from habitat destruction, unsustainable exploitation of resources and human-wildlife conflict. This project inspires children to care for all our wild neighbours and understand their importance within the natural landscape, from the African lion to the giraffe weevil.
Charlie Baker, Education Officer Born Free
We loved being part of Jane’s wonderful and powerful project! Jane’s use of art to honour these beautiful animals is nothing short of transformative. Not only are the animals clearly present in the magnificent drawings, but so are the awe and admiration and concern of the artists. I know that Where Did All The Animals Go? will continue to be a force for good.
Marinta Skupin, Curator of Education, Laguna Art Museum
Most noteworthy about Jane’s workshop is the sense of fellowship that it creates almost instantly. Beyond working towards a greater cause, the session offers a supportive setting in which to make art that is not so unlike the secure environments that Jane asks us to envision for our non-human friends.
Nate Bench, Art Eduction and School Programs Associate, Laguna Art Museum
I feel strongly that Drawing for the Planet is a wonderful way to engage kids with wildlife, with tigers. These kids' dads [Orang asli children, Malaysia] protect tigers—what better way to engage them with tigers and conservation, and to engage the whole village.
Dr Vilma D'Rozario, Co-Director, Singapore Wildcat Action Group
Partnerships
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