What is Urban Sketching?
Urban sketching is about drawing from life in the places we live or travel to. Drawing is done from direct observation on location, indoors or outdoors. The first "Urban Sketchers" group was founded in Seattle (USA) in 2007. A global movement with a shared vision has since emerged.

What to expect from a workshop?
Workshop instructors will start with an introduction to their approach, offer tips, and demonstrate their technique. You can look over their shoulders and questions are always encouraged. The workshops typically span approximately three hours, allowing ample time for you to experiment with the discussed techniques. With the expert guidance of the workshop instructor, you'll receive constructive feedback on your drawings.

When and how do I select my workshops?
Workshops are selected when booking your ticket on the ticket platform.

What actually happens in an Urban Sketcher symposium?
During the symposium you'll have the chance to take part in workshops, draw with other participants in sketchcrawls, get to know each other better at the drink & draw, the opening and closing ceremonies, and exchanging tips and experiences with fellow sketchers and instructors. With a diverse community of over 200 participants, this event offers a unique experience.

How do I get to Neuchâtel symposium from an airport?
Neuchâtel is accessible by public transport from the 3 main airports, Geneva, Zurich and Basel-Mulhouse: it will take between 1:30 and 2:00 to reach your destination (see CFF website). The symposium venue is right in the city center and can be reached on foot or by bus in just a few minutes.

What material do I need for my workshops? What else should I bring?
Start with what you usually take with you for sketching. Additionally, each workshop description will provide a syllabus from the instructor, detailing recommended materials. Some other considerations are clothing suitable for the weather, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, enough drinking and painting water, and a portable stool for added comfort.

In which language do the workshops take place?
The language of the course is stated in the workshop description. Any additional languages the workshop instructor speaks are also noted there. Please understand that the workshops will be held in either French or English. In one-to-one conversations, the instructor will certainly be able to accommodate other languages.

I am not good at walking. How far do I have to walk?
We are on our feet practically all day. All workshops take place in the city center and immediate neighborhood. To participate in the symposium, you should be able to walk 1-2 kilometers a day without any problems.

Will the event also take place in case of rain?
Yes, we want to capture the moment and not just the beautiful weather, right? In case of rain, the workshop instructors will try to find suitable locations. Please bring appropriate clothing and equipment (e.g. an umbrella) for the weather.

I have fallen ill and cannot attend. Can I return my ticket?
Refunds are only possible for cancellations until June 1, 2024. We reserve the right to charge a handling fee of 25 Swiss francs. After June 1, 2024 a refund is only possible if someone else buys the ticket.
For refund requests please contact: ticket@usk-switzerland.ch

I notice that photo and video recordings have been made of the participants. What if I do not want to be photographed or filmed?
By registering for the event, you agree that photographic and video records of the symposium may include your image and these may be used for the promotion of future events. However, you can limit this by actively informing the photographers or videographers that you do not want to be recognizable in any pictures. They will then do their best to respect your wishes.

Can I put my name on a waiting list if the symposium is fully booked?
For technical reasons, we cannot assign passes and workshops to a specific person. When a pass is returned, the system simply offers it for sale again. Your best chance of grabbing a pass is to visit our website regularly. After the registration deadline on June 1, 2024, we will inform about available passes via Instagram .

Which payment methods can I use to book my Pass?
You can use Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards (which have online shopping functionality). If your credit or debit card is not issued by a Swiss institution, please make sure that your card is not disabled for purchases abroad. Residents of Switzerland can also use their Postfinance card or Twint.