Sketch for Survival Junior (7 and Under)
by Explorers Against Extinction
International wildlife art exhibition
International wildlife art competition by Explorers Against Extinction for children aged 7 and under, with selected works exhibited at the charity's flagship conservation exhibition.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Duration
Single artwork submission; exhibition selection announced annually
Format
Individual
Time needed
Single artwork submission; entries accepted January through May (approximately 5 months)
Eligibility
- Age range
- Up to 7 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Open to children aged 7 years and under from any country. No prior art experience required.
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Rewards and recognition
Recognition
International exhibition by conservation charity
Key dates
- Registration opens
- 1 Jan 2027
- Registration closes
- 31 May 2027
- Competition
- 1 Sept 2027 to 30 Nov 2027
Longlist Announcement
Longlisted artists will be notified and invited to send their original artwork for the next stage of selection.
Shipping Original Artwork Deadline
Deadline for longlisted artists to ship their physical artwork to Explorer HQ in Norfolk, UK, for final panel review.
Finalist Announcement
Up to 10 finalists per age category will be announced, and their artworks will proceed to exhibition.
Online · Explorers Against Extinction Official Website
How to apply
- 1Create an original artwork of a threatened or endangered species on unframed paper in A4 or A3 format using any artistic medium
- 2Photograph the completed artwork with a smartphone or camera as a clear, in-focus JPEG image (max 5MB); rename the file with the artist's name and age
- 3Submit via the category-specific online entry form on the Explorers Against Extinction website when submissions open (typically January each year)
- 4Schools submitting multiple entries: email age-group folders as a compressed .zip file to schools@realworldconservation.org.uk or use WeTransfer for large files
- 5Longlisted artists are contacted in June and must arrange shipping of their original artwork to the charity in Norfolk, UK for final panel review
About this opportunity
Sketch for Survival Junior is an international wildlife art competition by Explorers Against Extinction for children aged 7 and under worldwide. Young artists create original drawings, paintings, or sketches of threatened species or conservation themes and submit them digitally.
All entries are reviewed by a panel of award-winning wildlife artists and conservation trustees. The strongest artworks are longlisted, with longlisted artists invited to send their original physical pieces to the charity in Norfolk, UK for final panel review. Up to 10 finalists per age category are selected for display at the flagship Sketch for Survival annual exhibition, attended by conservationists, educators, and the public. Remaining longlisted works receive a Highly Commended designation. Finalists receive printed certificates; all participants receive a digital participation certificate.
Participation is completely free with no restrictions on nationality, school type, or prior artistic experience, making it one of the few genuinely global competitions accessible to the very youngest age group. Artwork must depict a species classified as Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Extinct in the Wild per the IUCN Red List, on paper in A4 or A3 format. All artistic mediums and styles are accepted. The competition runs annually with submissions typically open from January through May.
Rounds & format
Stage 1 (January to May): Artists submit digital JPEG images of their artwork via the online entry form. An initial longlist is announced in June. Stage 2 (June to August): Longlisted artists are invited to ship their original physical artwork to the charity in Norfolk, UK. The selection panel of award-winning wildlife artists and trustees reviews the physical pieces and selects up to 10 finalists per age category. Finalists are announced in September, followed by the exhibition tour and online auction running September through November.
How entries are judged
Artworks assessed on overall artistic merit and quality, conservation theme relevance, and adherence to subject and size guidelines. Initial online screening checks guideline compliance and artistic quality. Physical artworks reviewed by the panel at the charity's headquarters for final selection.
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. The 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, as head judge, makes the final award determinations within each category.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key benefits for participants in this competition?
Participants gain international recognition through a globally respected conservation charity. Their artwork may be exhibited at the flagship Sketch for Survival exhibition, providing a unique platform for very young children to showcase their wildlife art alongside peers from around the world. It also fosters early engagement with critical conservation themes.
How can participants ensure their artwork meets the submission criteria?
Participants should carefully review the competition rules regarding artwork size (A4 or A3 unframed paper), medium, and subject matter (IUCN Red List threatened species). Ensuring the digital image is clear, in focus, and correctly named is also crucial for successful submission.
What happens if an artwork is selected for the longlist?
If an artwork is longlisted, the artist will be contacted and invited to ship their original physical artwork to the Explorers Against Extinction headquarters in Norfolk, UK. This physical piece will then be reviewed by the judging panel for final selection as a finalist.
Are there any specific tips for creating compelling artwork for this competition?
Focus on capturing the unique characteristics and spirit of the chosen threatened species. While artistic skill is considered, originality, emotional impact, and clear depiction of the conservation theme are highly valued. Using vibrant colors and dynamic compositions can make an artwork stand out.
How do schools manage bulk entries for multiple students?
Schools can submit multiple entries by organizing artwork files into age-group specific compressed.zip folders. These folders should be emailed to schools@realworldconservation.org.uk. For very large files, using WeTransfer is recommended. A schools information pack is available upon request.
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