Submissions open:
7 January 2026
Submissions close:
24 March 2026
Who may enter
The competition is open to all artists, both amateur and professional, aged 15 years and over.
Short description
The Wildlife Artist of the Year is an annual wildlife art competition organized by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
Entries must correspond to one of the eight categories:
• Abstract World
• Animal Behaviour
• Earth’s Wild Beauty
• Environmental Artivism
• Facing Extinction
• Into the Blue
• Wings
• Youth Exclusive (for artists aged 15 – 19 years)
There are no limits on technique or style. Artists are free to choose their preferred medium — whether painting, drawing, sculpture, collage or mixed media — and to express themselves in any style, from traditional and monochrome to abstract.
All entries must be sent in a digital format.
Entry fees
The entry fee is £30 per artwork for the first two entries, and £20 per entry thereafter.
Entries to the Youth Exclusive category (15 – 19 years old) is £20 per entry.
Prizes
• Overall Winner: £5,000 cash prize and a £5,000 conservation donation made in their name
• Overall Runner-up: £1,000 cash prize and a £1,000 conservation donation made in their name
• Category winners: £500 cash prize per category
• Youth Exclusive category winner: £500 cash prize
• First Time Entrants prize: £500 cash prize