Last Update: 24 July 2026
Table of Contents
Symposium 101
What is the Urban Sketchers International Symposium?
The Urban Sketchers International Symposium is an annual educational event organized by Urban Sketchers (USk), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the practice of on-location observational sketching. The goal of the Symposium is to celebrate and practice the art of on-location sketching in the host city. Each symposium offers valuable field-sketching instruction and opportunities for participants to meet new friends and learn more skills. Following our spirit of “sharing the world, one drawing at a time,” we aim to bring the Symposium to new cities and countries every year.
What happens in a Symposium?
Every Symposium is different as each host city offers different learning opportunities and experiences that are very unique to that city. Symposiums have an opening reception and a closing event for participants to meet other sketchers. Depending on types of Passes, the activities vary. Workshops, Demos and Activities, Lectures, and Sketchwalks are spread over the event. At the venue there is an Art Supplies Market which is open to the public. It features art tools, books and materials from different local and international suppliers. There is also a Silent Auction, a Raffle Draw, and daily Drink and Draw sessions.
Please see the Glossary for more information on activities.
Past Symposiums
There have been 14 Symposiums so far: Portland (2010), Lisbon (2011), Santo Domingo (2012), Barcelona (2013), Paraty (2014), Singapore (2015), Manchester (2016), Chicago (2017), Porto (2018), Amsterdam (2019), Auckland (2023), Buenos Aires(2024), Poznan (2025), and Toulouse (2026). Hong Kong was supposed to host in 2020. Due to the pandemic, it was postponed.
The 15th Urban Sketchers International Symposium is going to be held in Toronto, Canada!
For more information on Urban Sketchers Symposiums, visit https://urbansketchers.org/usk-symposium/
About The Event
When and where is the next Urban Sketchers International Symposium?
The 15th International Urban Sketchers Symposium will be held in Toronto, Canada from 4-7 August, 2027.
Why Toronto?
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and one of the most multicultural cities in the world, where more than 200 languages are spoken and neighborhoods from every corner of the globe exist side by side.
Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto blends historic architecture, modern skylines, vibrant street life, and expansive waterfront spaces into a city that feels endlessly sketchable. Red-brick warehouses and Victorian buildings share the same streets as soaring glass towers, while streetcars weave through lively neighborhoods filled with cafés, markets, galleries, music, and culture.
From the energy of the Entertainment District to the calm of the lakeshore, Toronto invites visitors to slow down, observe closely, and discover stories in every corner of the city.
Where is the main venue for the Symposium?
Watch this space 🙂
Where can I get news or updates on the Symposium?
To stay abreast with Symposium news, check
Symposium Webpage
https://urbansketchers.org/usk-symposium-toronto-2027/
Symposium Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/usksymposium/
Symposium FB Travel Hub group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/usksymposiumhub
In what language is the Symposium conducted?
Urban Sketchers International Symposiums, wherever they are hosted, are always conducted in English.
What are the official hashtags?
The official hashtags are #USkToronto2027 and #USkSymposium2027. To stay in the loop, follow the hashtags on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to access the latest updates, posts and sketches from the event.
Last Update: 24 July 2026
Glossary
What is…
Workshop
Workshops are one of the main components of the USk Symposium.
They are presented as a more formal educational experience with a smaller group (16 participants), allowing for personal interaction with students. Instructors are expected to do a short demonstration, have one-on-one interaction with participants, and check on them during their exercises.
Workshops are accessible only to registered Symposium participants.
Opening & Closing Events
We will kick-start the Symposium with an Opening reception, where the USk President welcomes all participants and some light refreshments will be served.
We wrap up the weekend with a Closing celebration. The evening starts with the Silent Auction, the Raffle Draw, and with some catering. To end the Symposium, we will also announce the next Symposium dates and host city.
The Opening and Closing Receptions are accessible only to registered Symposium participants.
Demo
Demo will be led by all instructors we have for workshops plus a selection of presenters who specialize in certain techniques or topics. Each Demo will be conducted for around 30-40 mins on-location in Toulouse or at the Symposium Hub. Expected capacity at a Demo on-location will be 17 persons max.
Demos are accessible only to registered Symposium participants.
Activity
Activity is a hands-on 1hr presentation, where participants also have the opportunity to participate (40-50 mins presentation, 10 mins Q&A session and will only be conducted once). Group sizes will vary.
Activities are accessible only to registered Symposium participants.
Lecture
Lecture presentations will be 30 mins each including Q&A. Lectures are accessible to all registered Symposium participants.
Big Crit
In this structured session, a number of workshop instructors will form a circle or line of tables, each with a seat for themselves and a guest. Each participant with sketchbook in hand will cycle around the tables, receiving a quick critique of their work from 5 different members of the crit panel – not unlike speed dating! This opportunity with a variety of teachers will provide a wealth of useful advice and feedback. Every ten minutes, participants will move on to the next table with the next panelist until their 5 sessions have been completed.
Art Supplies Market
Art Supplies Market will showcase all the symposium sponsors and supporters. The range of products will include art materials, tools and books. Some sponsors may host demos or talks about their product. Stay tuned to the Symposium webpage for more information.
Art Supplies Market location will be announced later and will be open to the public.
Sketchwalk
The Sketchwalks during the three days of the Symposium are accessible only to registered Symposium participants. We end with a large Big Sketch in the afternoon of the last day. This is open to anyone who would like to sketch with us. Refer to the Schedule for Sketchwalk timing and locations.
Sketchwalks will be hosted and managed by USk Toronto. More information regarding Sketchwalks will be published soon. Please stay tuned.
Family Photo
Every official participant of the Symposium is encouraged to gather together for the huge ‘family photo’. Usually on the last day – the time and location will be provided in the schedule.
Silent Auction
Every sketcher can donate their original artwork for the Silent Auction that will happen on the last day before the Closing Reception. Art works will be displayed with a bid card next to it for any interested parties to bid. At the closing, the successful bidder has to collect the artwork with the bid card and proceed to payment with the USk Treasurer. What everyone gets from this is a chance to own an original artwork of a fellow sketcher and funds raised from this Silent Auction will go into furthering USk’s other projects and endeavors.
All artworks for the Silent Auction should be submitted for cataloging. Stay tuned for announcements regarding when and and where to submit.
Raffle Draw
The Raffle Draw is also another fundraiser effort where tickets at the Symposium can be bought from the Fundraising team, for a chance to win something at the Draw. In the past, prizes had included art materials, equipment and books. The top prize for the Raffle Draw is a FREE Workshop Pass to the next Symposium.
Drink and Draw
Drink and Draw is not an official Symposium activity. It is a casual get-together amongst sketchers and friends. The local host USk Chapter will recommend a location where sketchers and friends can hang out for a drink at the end of the day and enjoy some sketching time amongst friends.
Location/s for Drink and Draw will be announced later.
No sign up required but it is first come-first served. All local alcohol restrictions are to be followed. This is a public event and all food or beverages are at your own expense.
Last Update: 24 July 2026