Renowned as one of the world’s most prestigious wildlife art competitions, this annual event celebrates exceptional artistic talent across all career stages, from rising stars to established names.
A new selection of shortlisted works is unveiled in London each year, handpicked by an expert judging panel. The exhibition offers a rich and varied display, featuring everything from bold oil paintings and intricate pencil drawings to eco-conscious sculptures and inventive mixed-media creations, all inspired by the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Our online exhibition is now open, so you can browse the entire collection of shortlisted artworks, discover the stories behind each piece, and purchase your favourites directly through our website.
LOCATION: Mall Galleries, London SW1 DATE: 9–13 September 2025 TIME: 10am – 5pm (Tuesday 11am – 3pm) ENTRY: Free – donations welcome in support of our conservation work
The exhibition will feature all final artworks selected across our nine competition categories, representing the very best from thousands of international submissions.
Entry is free, and the galleries are open daily from 10am–5pm. But please consider donating a small amount to mark your visit, and to support our vital, species-saving work that WAY not only celebrates, but also makes possible.
See the very best in wildlife art up close, explore a rich variety of artistic expression, and even take home your favourite piece – all while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Can’t wait to explore the artwork? You don’t have to! Our Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025 shop is now open. Every finalist piece from this year’s competition is available to browse and buy* online or by contacting us directly on 01483 272 323.
50% or more of the proceeds go directly to DSWF’s conservation efforts. Every purchase helps to secure a better future for endangered species, communities living alongside them, and our future generations.
*All pieces sold prior to the exhibition will be required to be on display during the 2025 event at the Mall Galleries, with delivery to be confirmed and arranged after September 15th, 2025.
Guest Exhibitors
Three extraordinary solo exhibitions are part of our Wildlife Artist of the Year 2025 showcase. Explore the skill, passion, and conservation impact of Sarah Lake, Mandy Shepherd, and Rachel Bigsby.
Experience the sweeping landscapes and emotive subjects of Mandy Shepherd, daughter of the late David Shepherd CBE. Her new exhibition, captures the landscapes, animals, and experiences that have shaped her life – from the plains of Zambia to the heart of military life at sea.
Informed by years of independent research and hands-on voluntary conservation work, Rachel’s imagery reveals the lives of her subjects in ways that are both scientifically informed and artistically profound.
In her new WAY 2025 exhibition, Paper Safari, Sarah pushes the boundaries of her craft with bold, large-scale portraits that invite you to experience wildlife in an intimate and monumental way.
Browse our live WAY events
Voting now open!
Art is subjective and that’s what makes it powerful. While our expert judging panel selects winners across nine categories, we also want you to have your say.
Our finalists have been announced, and the People’s Choice Award is open for public voting. You can browse the full shortlist online and cast your vote for the piece that speaks to you the most.
Votes will be collected until shortly after the exhibition closes on Saturday 13 September, with the winner announced via DSWF’s email newsletter and social media channels.
Your vote also enters you into a prize draw with the chance to win two tickets to the stunning black tie DSWF Wildlife Ball on Friday 7 November 2025 at The Dorchester in London, including a champagne reception, three course meal and entertainment. Please show your support for your favourite artwork by casting your vote
Join us online for the live awards ceremony on 9 September at 7pm (BST) and be part of the celebration as we unveil the winners live on Instagram.
You must have an Instagram account and be following our art account @DSWFwildlifeart to watch the live awards.
Proceeds from competition entries and artwork sales directly fund David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s wildlife conservation initiatives, protecting endangered species.
By combining the power of visual storytelling with action for the planet, Wildlife Artist of the Year continues to raise awareness and drive change for endangered species and their habitats.
