The 2025 competition closed for entries in February this year. But, you can still discover the finalists and watch the awards ceremony by following the link.
We’re also delighted to announce the theme for the 2026 competition – Save the Book of Life. Keep scrolling to find out more.
Global Canvas children’s art competition is an annual international art contest run by DSWF, to encourage creativity from young people, to display thought and concern for our planet’s environment and the incredible wildlife that inhabits it.
Set up in 2004 by DSWF’s founder, wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd, each year, the competition receives thoughtful and creative entries from all over the world, with an amazing array of interpretations of the year’s theme.
We were delighted to receive a record-breaking number of entries, and the creativity and innovation on display was truly exceptional.
After a comprehensive judging process, winners were announced at our live Awards Ceremony.
Visit the Global Canvas 2025 finalists gallery
Young wildlife artists between the ages of 15 and 19 are invited to enter the ‘Youth Exclusive’ category in our Wildlife Artist of the Year competition. Click the button to find out more.
The Book of Life holds as many as ten million species – from tiny plankton to towering elephants. Every time we discover a new animal, like the vegetarian piranha, the book gets bigger. But when a species goes extinct – like the Pinta Island tortoise – a page is lost forever.
We already know how to protect the Book of Life. We can create wild protected areas, restore damaged habitats, rescue endangered species, and stop the illegal trade in wildlife.
For Global Canvas 2026, show us how we can save the Book of Life forever.
The 2026 competition will open for entries in late 2025. Make sure you’re following our socials and signed up to our e-news to be kept in the loop.
How we continue to fight the illegal wildlife trade and protect pangolins through our projects on-the-ground in both Africa and Asia.
Highlighting why long-term conservation efforts are essential in mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
How we’re working with local communities to fight wildlife crime, protect prime habitat, and safeguard rhinos in their natural environment.
Children and young people aged 16 and under.
Groups and Individuals – the competition is split into 2 categories which are judged separately.
Groups require a minimum of 2 people.
The categories will then be judged in the following age groups:
Create your artwork Any art techniques can be used to create entries; including painting, sculpture, textiles, collages and we always like to see recycled materials.
Online Entry Form Fill-in the online form for Individual or Group, which will be opening on 9 September 2024 till 14 February 2025. Send us your contact details, clear images and a short video of your artwork.
Winners will be Announced All artwork will then be reviewed by our judges and the winners will be announced online at the live Awards Ceremony on 30 April 2025.
Groups Groups must create a ‘display’ based on the theme to enter the competition. Find out how to create a ‘display’ for Global Canvas.
Individuals Individuals can create an artwork of any size based on the theme.
Terms and conditions.
Individual applications for Global Canvas 2025 are now open. Click the link to enter your masterpiece to our 2025 competition.
Group applications for Global Canvas 2025 are now open. Click the link to enter your group creation to our 2025 competition.
A special thank you to artist and co-founder of Michael O’Mara Books, Lesley O’Mara, for her ongoing support as a personal champion of our work. Buster Books is an imprint of Michael O’Mara Books, publishing quirky children’s books – from picture books and reference titles to interactive books and beyond. They are also an official publisher for LEGO colouring, sticker, and activity books. In both 2020 and 2021, Buster won the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Book with Facts.
Find out and read more at https://www.mombooks.com
Created by Wildlife Artist of the Year finalists – our masterclasses have been designed exclusively for Global Canvas applicants. We will be publishing upcoming masterclasses, here.
