Sketch for Survival Junior (12 to 16 Years)
by Explorers Against Extinction
International Exhibition + Certificate
Free international wildlife art competition by Explorers Against Extinction for teens aged 12 to 16. Create artwork depicting an IUCN Red List species and earn international exhibition recognition.
Mode
Online
Eligibility
Grade 7 to 10
Fee
Free
Duration
Single artwork submission; entries accepted January through May (approximately 5 months); exhibition and results September through November
Format
Individual
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the artwork
Eligibility
- Grade level
- Grade 7 to 10
- Age range
- 12 to 16 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Open to all participants aged 12 to 16 from any country. No prior art experience required. The chosen subject must be a species listed on the IUCN Red List.
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Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
Downloadable digital Certificate of Participation issued to all participants immediately upon submission
Recognition
International exhibition in London and Edinburgh
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jan 2027
- Registration closes
- 31 May 2027
- Competition
- 1 Sept 2027 to 30 Nov 2027
- Results
- 30 Nov 2027
Longlist Announcement
Longlisted artists will be contacted directly via email and announced online on the official website. These artists will receive instructions for mailing their original artwork.
Finalists Announcement
Finalists whose original artworks will be featured in the exhibition and online auction will be announced on the official website.
Exhibition Venue (London), London, England
How to apply
- 1Choose an IUCN Red List species as the artwork subject
- 2Create original artwork on A4 or A3 paper in any medium
- 3Photograph or scan artwork as a high-resolution JPEG (max 5MB)
- 4Submit JPEG digitally through the competition portal
- 5Longlisted participants mail original artwork to UK headquarters
About this opportunity
Sketch for Survival Junior (12 to 16 Years) is an international wildlife art competition organized by Explorers Against Extinction, a registered UK charity (The Real World Conservation Trust) dedicated to wildlife conservation. The competition invites teenagers aged 12 to 16 from any country to create original artworks depicting species from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, including Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Extinct in the Wild categories.
Participants choose any art medium, working on A4 or A3 paper. Completed artworks are submitted as high-resolution JPEG images through the official competition portal. Longlisted participants are publicly announced on the Explorers Against Extinction website and invited to mail their original artwork to the UK for further evaluation and potential exhibition.
Selected finalists from the 12 to 16 age group have their work exhibited at annual UK exhibitions in cities including London and Edinburgh from September through November, alongside artworks from other junior categories and professional conservation artists. This provides participants with a rare opportunity to have their work shown in a prestigious international conservation art context.
All participants receive a downloadable digital Certificate of Participation immediately upon submission. The competition is free to enter and open to participants worldwide, including India, with no prior art experience required.
Rounds & format
Stage 1 (January to May): Participants submit a digital JPEG photograph of their completed artwork via the online entry form on the Explorers Against Extinction website. A longlist is announced in June. Stage 2 (June to August): Longlisted artists arrange shipping of their original physical artwork to the charity in Happisburgh, Norwich, Norfolk, UK for final panel review. Up to 10 finalists per age category are selected and announced in September. Finalist artworks are exhibited at the annual Sketch for Survival conservation exhibition (September to November) and auctioned online in support of the Explorers Against Extinction Campaign Fund.
How entries are judged
Artistic expression, wildlife accuracy, conservation theme relevance, technical skill
Selection process
Online submissions are screened for adherence to size and subject guidelines, with the strongest artworks progressing to a longlist. Longlisted artists send original physical artwork to the charity in Norfolk, UK. A panel of award-winning wildlife artists and founding trustees selects up to 10 finalists per age category from the physical pieces. Remaining longlisted works receive a Highly Commended designation. Sophie Green (head judge) makes the final award determinations.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants effectively convey the conservation message through their artwork?
Participants can enhance the conservation message by researching their chosen IUCN Red List species thoroughly, understanding its threats, and incorporating elements into their artwork that subtly or overtly highlight its vulnerability or the importance of its habitat. Strong artistic expression combined with factual accuracy strengthens the impact.
What are common mistakes to avoid during the artwork creation and submission process?
Common mistakes include not adhering to the A4/A3 paper size, submitting artwork of a species not on the IUCN Red List, or providing a low-resolution JPEG image. Ensure the artwork is clearly photographed, in focus, and correctly labelled with the participant's name and age category to avoid disqualification.
How do judges evaluate the artistic expression and technical skill of young artists?
Judges assess artistic expression based on creativity, originality, and the emotional impact of the piece. Technical skill is evaluated by observing the use of medium, composition, color, and detail, considering the age group of the artist. The overall ability to bring the chosen species to life is key.
What are the benefits of participating in an international competition like Sketch for Survival Junior?
Participation offers a unique opportunity for international recognition, a digital certificate, and the chance for artworks to be exhibited alongside professional artists in the UK. It fosters a sense of global citizenship and direct contribution to wildlife conservation through art, building confidence and artistic portfolio.
How can participants manage competitive pressure and focus on their artistic growth?
Participants should focus on the joy of creation and the conservation message rather than solely on winning. Engaging in the process, learning about wildlife, and developing artistic skills are valuable outcomes regardless of the competition results. Viewing it as a learning experience reduces pressure and promotes growth.
What happens to the original artwork if it is selected for exhibition?
If an artwork is selected for exhibition, the original physical piece will be displayed at prestigious venues in the UK. Finalist artworks may also be included in an online auction, with all proceeds directly supporting wildlife conservation projects. Artists retain copyright of their work.
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