Drink & Draw
From front room to festivals, founder Julian Dieckert introduces the drawing group that knows how to have a good time
Two of Berlin’s best attributes are its art scene and its nightlife. Julian Dieckert combines the two in an event that only needs a few words to be summed up: “Drink, draw, exhibit, teach, learn, dance, party hard.” It should come as no surprise, then, that Drink & Draw: Berlin has gone from strength to strength in the year since its inception.
The group began life in Julian’s lounge, where he and a few friends gathered to draw each other over drinks. They began dressing up in cheap costumes bought locally or acquired on Julian’s travels. The gathering grew until, in January this year, they began a residency in the loft space of spectacles manufacturer ic! berlin.
“It’s quickly become the one big gathering for artists in Berlin,” Julian says, “especially digital artists and illustrators. However, the general idea is to bring together not only people from the digital art scene – where I come from – but all kinds of creative people.”
With more room came more attendees and more extravagant events. Julian introduced themes and dress codes. He invited DJs and bands to play. Artists could have portfolios reviewed, exhibit and sell work, and attend workshops run by professionals. There were around 10 people at early events; the group now boasts as many as 300 artists. “I like the idea,” the founder says, “of young artists finally having the opportunity to have a chat with their idols in a laid-back environment, without standing in queues and having to pay hundreds of bucks for it.”
While Drink & Draw: Berlin is founded on an inclusive approach to art, Julian says other aspects of the event have become quite competitive: “People are really competing to be models, and to see who has the coolest outfit.”
The group’s early success has encouraged Julian to expand. He’s planning a Drink & Draw festival, replete with workshops, life-drawing stages, action paintings and, of course, alcohol and entertainment.