Wildlife Artist of the Year

in association with

DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year, in association with BBC Wildlife, is an internationally renowned wildlife art competition and exhibition, which each year 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, Wildlife Artist of the Year has raised more than £1.2 million for our conservation partners 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 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.

DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year has become one of the most noteworthy events in the art calendar, often being referred to as the ‘Oscars of international wildlife art.’ Playing an integral role in helping to maintain the ‘Art of Survival’ legacy of our founder, David Shepherd CBE, Wildlife Artist of the Year utilises the power of art to celebrate wildlife, support awareness and raise funds for endangered species across Africa and Asia.

Commenting on Wildlife Artist of the Year, the late David Shepherd‘s words are more poignant than ever:

“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.”

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022

This year’s Wildlife Artist of the Year attracted 1,654 entrants from 850 artists across 55 countries. The winners of the competition will be announced from 6:30pm on 31st August 2022 (UK time) during a virtual awards ceremony. We’re also thrilled to be hosting an artist reception on the 7th September at The Dorchester in London.

Artworks by all shortlisted artists are available to purchase from the DSWF shop from 1st September to 2nd October with 50% of the proceeds from all sales supporting DSWF’s vital wildlife conservation work. The public can also vote for their favourite artwork in the BBC Wildlife People’s Choice Award 2022 which is open from 1st September until midday on the 30th of September.

Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022 prizes

  • Overall winner – £10,000 prize package*
  • Overall runner-up – £2,000 prize package*
  • Animal Behaviour – £500
  • Earth’s Wild Beauty – £500
  • Facing Extinction – £500
  • Human Impact sponsored in memory of Ingrid Beazley (for artists aged 16 to 22) – £500
  • Into the Blue – £500
  • Urban Wildlife – £500
  • Wings – £500
  • The Elizabeth Hosking ‘Watercolour’ Award – £500
  • The Michelle Lee Howk ‘First Time Entrants’ Award – £500

* The overall Wildlife Artist of the Year winner prize package consists of £5,000 personal cash prize and a £5,000 conservation voucher to be (donated to a DSWF project of the winner’s choice). The overall runner-up prize is a £1,000 personal cash prize and a £1,000 conservation voucher (donated to a DSWF project of the runner-up’s choice).

Thank you to our generous Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022 sponsors for their support.

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