Drawing SIP

In the end of September, our Year 10 Fine Art and Graphic Design students were invited to participate in “Drawing SIP,” one of the events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the development and construction of Suzhou Industrial Park. The event, organised by the Public Cultural Center in collaboration with art museums, schools, enterprises, and other institutions, aimed to showcase the unique charm and vibrancy of SIP through urban sketching from an international perspective. DHSZ students visited the Shihui Neighbourhood Center, using their paintbrushes to vividly capture the everyday life and essence of the community.

This event was not only an opportunity for artistic creation, but also a chance for students to step out of the classroom and engage with the community. By observing the shops, cafes, and restaurants along the streets, the students selected locations that best showcased the unique characteristics of the Suzhou Industrial Park to create their sketches. Using tools such as pencils, markers, fineliners, and watercolors, the students produced exquisite sketches that were detailed, creative, and vividly captured the essence of the environment.

Participating in such an event not only allowed the students to demonstrate their artistic talents but, more importantly, it aligned closely with Dulwich’s core educational philosophy—to go beyond oneself and care about things outside of one's immediate world, including the community, society, and the global world. Ms Lee Whitehouse, Head of the Art Department of DHSZ, greatly appreciated the opportunity for such an event: “This activity allowed the students to step out of the classroom and create art in a real-world setting. Their work showcased their creativity and imagination. Through interaction with the local community, they were able to celebrate the vibrant growth of the area. The students weren’t just sketching cityscapes; they were growing together with the community, using art as a means to perceive and participate in society.”