DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year (WAY) is probably the world’s greatest wildlife art competition and exhibition. Each year, it attracts entries from some of the most talented artists around the globe, who come together to celebrate the beauty of the natural world. Since its inception in 2008, the compettion has generated over £1 million in art sales for our conservation work across Africa and Asia.
Each year, the exhibition showcases a breath-taking selection of shortlisted artworks commended by our expert judging panel which portray a variety of techniques and mediums; from recycled plastic sculptures, to intricate pencil drawings, to vast colourful oil paintings, and everything in between.
With entry income and 50% of the proceeds from all artwork sales supporting DSWF and our ground-based partners, this exhibition highlights how we can use art to create something powerful and ignite the conversation about conservation.
Wildlife Artist of the Year was founded to create a legacy linked to our roots in the wildlife art world that went beyond the life and reach of any one person. David Shepherd, CBE, our founder, was directly involved in its instigation. He strongly believed that creativity could inspire change. And ultimately, he wanted to ensure it would do so after he was gone.
Since it’s inception, WAY has inspired thousands of artists to honour the beauty of the wild world and highlight its vulnerability. In turn, tens of thousands of unique pieces of art have been created and entered, each with the potential to spark the conversation about conservation.
We are thrilled to announce that our DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year competition will be returning in 2025, opening for entries on 6 January, 2025.
As always, the competition is open to both amateur and professional artists alike, and we encourage anyone who has a passion for both art and wildlife to enter.
We look forward to keeping you updated on these pages and over the following months, but do be sure to sign up to our newsletter and follow our social media channels for the latest news.
Continuing David Shepherd’s legacy – through art events, exhibitions, partnerships and sales of outstanding original artworks and prints – to help raise awareness and funds for wildlife.
Emily Lamb, Renowned Wildlife Artist
We were delighted to receive a record-breaking number of first-time entrants, and the depth and breadth of work submitted was truly exceptional.
After a comprehensive three-stage judging process, our shortlisted artworks were announced at our live Awards Ceremony on 1 July with our annual Exhibition opening thereafter.
“I set up my Foundation with the sole purpose of giving something back to the animals that helped me achieve success as an artist. At a time when the world’s wildlife is under such devastating pressure from expanding human populations and the illegal trade it seems fitting that we take a step back and reflect on the sheer beauty and diversity of our natural world and what could be lost if we do not truly appreciate the value of the world around us.”
