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 to 2021, Wildlife Artist of the Year has attracted more than 13,300 entries raising more than £1.2 million for our ground-based 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.”

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

Last year DSWF’s Wildlife Artist of the Year competition saw record-breaking entries from 1,199 talented artists from 70 countries with a total of 2,307 pieces. We are delighted to announce the 2022 competition will be open for entries from midday on the 6^th January 2022 (UK time) until 11:59pm on the 31st March 2022 (UK time). We look forward to welcoming back our wonderful longstanding artists and also 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.