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 is the difference between a workshop and a demo?
Both are dedicated to a specific topic, drawing or painting technique and in both cases, workshop instructors will start with an introduction to their approach, offer tips, and demonstrate their technique. You can look over their shoulders and ask questions. Demos include all of the above and last about an hour. Workshops last about three hours so you have time to try the technique you’ve just seen demonstrated under the guidance of the workshop instructor and get feedbacks on your drawings.

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

In recent years, there were workshop passes with two, three or four workshops. Why is there only one variant with three workshops this year?
Due to high demand, some of you were unable to book a ticket in past years. This year we offer more workshops and passes per workshop but fewer workshops per person.

Why are there no more Guest Passes?
The Guest Pass is now called the Sketch Pass. We have taken your feedbacks to heart and are committed to integrating Sketch Pass holders more actively this time. The sketchwalks, for example, will be guided and moderated, and the two newly included demos will give Sketch Pass holders the opportunity to look over the shoulder of the pros.

What actually happens in a Urban Sketcher symposium?
So that you know better what to expect and can plan your stay in Zurich better, take a look at the schedule we have prepared. Changes will be posted on the website, on social media or on-site during the welcome and the morning briefings.

What is the fastest way to get from the airport to the event?
The easiest and fastest way with about 25-30 minutes is by public transport. Either take almost any train to Zurich main station or take the S16 to Stadelhofen station. From both, take Tram 4 in the direction of Tiefenbrunnen and get off at the Höschgasse stop (from Stadelhofen station you can also take Tram 2 to Höschgasse). From here it is only a 3 minute walk to the Freies Gymnasium Zürich (FGZ).

What is the fastest way to get to the event from Zurich main station?
The easiest and fastest way (approx. 15 minutes) is by public transport. Take Tram line 4 in the direction of Tiefenbrunnen and get off at the Höschgasse stop. From here it is only a 3 minute walk to the Freies Gymnasium Zürich.

Will there be anything to eat at the event?
On the first evening there will be a welcome “Apéro Riche” for Workshop and Sketch Pass holders which will certainly not leave anyone hungry. You will have to organize your own lunch, but there are plenty of options for that in the area. On Friday evening we will arrange a meeting place for the well-known “Drink-and-Draw” tradition.

I would like to stay at a hotel, do you have any recommendations?
Aside from checkilng the usual booking websites, you can also find hotels, B & Bs and even camping sites on the Zurich Tourism site (www.zuerich.com). The Freies Gymnasium Zürich is in the Seefeld neighborhood and easy to reach with trams 2 and 4 and buses 33 and 77.

What material do I need for my workshops? What else should I bring?
Start with what you usually take with you for sketching. At the end of each workshop description page, you will find the instructor’s list of materials for that workshop. Clothing suitable for the weather, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, enough drinking and painting water, and a portable stool are always a good idea.

In which language do the workshops take place?
The language of the course is stated in the workshop description. Any additional languages the workshop leader speaks are also noted there. Please understand that the workshop can only be held in either German or English. In a one-to-one conversation, the workshop leader 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. Some workshops take place in the immediate neighborhood, others in the old town. 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 the 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?
Cancellations and refunds are only possible until August 15. We reserve the right to charge a handling fee of 25 Swiss francs.

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 August 15, we will inform about available passes via Facebook and 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.