The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, is set to organise ‘Drawing Dialogues: Calibration and Celebration of Drawing in Design’ on October 30–31, 2026, at its Gandhinagar Campus. The two-day symposium will explore the role of drawing in design education, research and professional practice, bringing together academicians, designers, artists, practitioners, researchers and students.
Rooted in the Indian philosophical concepts of drishti (seeing) and anubhava (experience), the symposium will examine drawing as more than a representational technique. It will consider drawing as a fundamental mode of perception, reflection, inquiry and creative expression, as well as a means of generating and communicating design knowledge in contemporary education.
The event aims to encourage critical discussions on how drawing contributes to design thinking across disciplines and how traditional approaches can inform emerging practices. Through academic exchange and professional dialogue, participants will have the opportunity to examine drawing’s evolving role in design pedagogy and practice.
Symposium Themes and Programme Highlights
According to the institute, the symposium will address five key themes:
- Pedagogy of Drawing in Design Education
- Drawing Research
- Traditions of Drawing
- Drawing Practice: Case Studies and Industry Experience
- Drawing Futures
The programme will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, presentations, hands-on workshops and a drawing exhibition. These activities are intended to facilitate the exchange of ideas, showcase research and studio practices, and strengthen collaboration among design institutions, faculty members, students and industry professionals.
Registration Details
Event dates: October 30–31, 2026
Venue: NID Gandhinagar Campus, Gujarat
Registration fees
- ₹2,000 for academicians, designers, artists, professionals and practitioners
- ₹750 for students and craftspeople
Registration deadline: October 20, 2026, as stated in the event poster.
Contact: drawingdialogues@nid.edu
The registration fee includes a registration kit, certificate of participation, lunch and refreshments. Travel and accommodation expenses must be borne by participants. Registration is mandatory, and seats are limited, according to the event poster.
The symposium offers an opportunity for the design community to revisit drawing as an essential intellectual and creative tool, connecting traditional knowledge with contemporary design education and emerging modes of visual communication.
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