DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year

DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 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 £1.7 million to benefit 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.

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.”

Could you be the next DSWF Wildlife Artist of the year?

Our 2022 competition attracted 1,654 entrants from 850 artists across 55 countries. We were delighted to receive a record-breaking number of first-time entrants, and the depth and breadth of work submitted was truly exceptional.

We are delighted to announce that our 2023 competition is now open, via our Online Entry Form. Entries will close on 12am on 29^th March 2023 (23:59pm GMT).

We very much look forward to welcoming back our wonderful longstanding artists and also hope to encourage first time participants to pick up their pens, brushes or chisels to get involved with our world-renowned art competition, all in aid of critically endangered wildlife.

Furthermore, we are delighted to announce that after three years away due to the pandemic, the much loved DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year Exhibition will be returning to the iconic Mall Galleries, London for a week-long Exhibition, running from 12^th to 16^th September 2023. We very much look forward to sharing further exciting updates with you all in due course!

Our 2022 finalists exhibition included a stunning collection of 185 artworks of varying mediums and expressions created by an incredible 151 separate artists. Through the incredible generosity and support from our sponsors, all participating artists and our wonderful buyers and donors, together we raised a staggering £85,000 contribution to support our vital conservation work across Africa and Asia.

As ever a special thank you goes to our wonderful sponsors, without whom this incredible competition would not be a reality.

The full list of the DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022 winners can be found below, with more information available on our winners blog post.

Our Wildlife Artist of the Year 2022 Catalogue featuring all shortlisted artworks and artists from the 2022 event is still for sale in our online shop.