Wildlife Artist of the Year is a prestigious international wildlife art competition organised annually by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a UK-based conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered species and habitats. The competition is widely recognised within the global wildlife art community and attracts thousands of submissions from professional and amateur artists alike. Its primary aim is to celebrate artistic excellence while raising awareness of wildlife conservation through powerful visual storytelling that highlights the beauty, fragility, and diversity of the natural world.
The competition welcomes a broad range of artistic styles, techniques, and media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, as long as the work is inspired by wildlife or the natural environment. Artists from around the world submit original artworks that are judged by a panel of respected figures from the art, conservation, and wildlife sectors. Shortlisted and winning works are exhibited in a high-profile annual exhibition in London, providing artists with international exposure, professional recognition, and the opportunity to sell their work to collectors and wildlife art enthusiasts.
Beyond artistic recognition, Wildlife Artist of the Year plays a significant role in supporting conservation efforts. Proceeds from entry fees, artwork sales, and associated fundraising initiatives contribute directly to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s conservation projects across Africa and Asia. By connecting art with environmental advocacy, the competition not only promotes wildlife art at the highest level but also encourages artists and audiences to engage with urgent conservation issues, making it a unique and influential platform within both the art world and the conservation community.
The entry fee is £30 per artwork for the first two entries and £20 per entry thereafter, with a reduced fee of £20 per entry for the Youth Exclusive category (ages 15-19).
Eligibility
Open internationally to all artists, amateur and professional, aged 15 years and over at the closing date, with artists aged 15–19 entered into a Youth Exclusive category.
Prize
The overall winner of Wildlife Artist of the Year typically receives a significant award comprising a substantial cash prize alongside a donation voucher of equal value to support a conservation project of their choice, while additional prizes are awarded to category winners and Youth Exclusive winners, and shortlisted works are exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London with sales supporting conservation efforts.
