The Global Canvas Shortlist

Hundreds of talented children have been shortlisted in Global Canvas 2017, to display their work at  London’s Natural History Museum this month.

Pupils from fifteen schools and art groups in the UK and Africa have been selected to exhibit their art and poetry at one of the world’s most iconic visitor attractions – the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday, March 23^rd

This special day forms part of the annual school’s art and poetry competition run by UK-based wildlife conservation charity, the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF).

“Each year we ask the children to come up with a theme for the competition and in 2017 it is Our Precious Planet,” explains DSWF Education Manager, Jo Elphick. “Working together, either in classes or across the whole school, they translate the theme into the most wonderful displays packed full of art and poetry. Shortlisting  the entries is never easy so being invited to display their work at the Natural History Museum is an achievement in itself!”

Wildlife artist and founder of DSWF, David Shepherd CBE, who will attend the prize-giving event in March, added: “1,836 children and teachers from all over the world collaborated to enter the competition this year and have demonstrated not only great artistic flair but a real empathy for wildlife conservation. It’s heart-warming to know that the next generation is passionate enough to make a difference. What they create is never less than inspiring.”

From entries put together by a single year group to school-wide collaborations, all the participants have enjoyed not only the making and creating of art and poetry but also learning about the animals, plants and habitats that make the planet so precious.

The children will travel to London on March 23^rd  to present their work and to find out whether they have won a prize.

“We’re hugely grateful to Michael O’Mara Books for sponsoring the prizes again this year including a wonderful £1,000 top prize that the winning school or group can donate to the DSWF conservation project of their choice which work to protect some of the world’s most endangered species in Africa or Asia,” adds Jo Elphick.

The Shortlist:

Alexandra Parade Primary, Glasgow
Artspiration, art group Maidenhead
Blackheath Preparatory School, London SE3
Bridge Learning Campus, Bristol
Caleb British International School, Nigeria
Cranmere Primary School, Esher, Surrey
Cumnor House School, Purley
Elstree School, Upper Woolhampton, Reading
Hall Grove School, Bagshot, Surrey
Perrott Hill School, Crewkerne, Somerset
Shottermill Junior School, Haselmere, Surrey
South Farnham School, Farnham, Surrey
Spratton Hall School, Northampton
St Thomas of Canterbury School, London SW6
TASIS, Thorpe, Surrey

About the Global Canvas Art and Poetry competition:

This annual event is part of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s (DSWF) Art for Survival programme. Established in 2004 it aims to encourage young people to express their concern for the environment and, in particular, endangered species with which we share our fragile planet. This year’s event is sponsored by Michael O’Mara Books.

David Shepherd CBE will be attending.
The guest speaker is wildlife artist Jonathan Truss.

DSWF is a small, dynamic charity working to protect endangered species across Africa and Asia. Founded in 1984 by the wildlife artist and conservationist, David Shepherd CBE, art and education form core pillars of its holistic approach to conservation.