The Derwent Art Prize 2024, a prestigious international competition, stands as a beacon for the celebration of excellence in contemporary pencil art. This esteemed event, organized by the renowned Derwent Cumberland Pencil Company, beckons artists from around the world to showcase their mastery in the realms of 2D and 3D artistry, utilizing a spectrum of pencil mediums. These mediums encompass traditional pencils, colored pencils, water-soluble pencils, pastels, graphite, and charcoal pencils. As a testament to its unwavering commitment to the art world, the Derwent Art Prize presents a global platform that champions pencil-based artistic expressions and actively nurtures the careers of emerging artists.
In its seventh edition, the Derwent Art Prize has garnered acclaim from over 20,000 artists across 75 countries, reaffirming its role as a dynamic crucible for the best in pencil artistry. The competition’s ethos centers on fostering creativity within the pencil art domain, offering a unique avenue for artists to exhibit their exceptional skills in the heart of the Southbank at the prestigious gallery@OXO. With a total prize fund of £13,000, including a first prize of £4,000 and a year’s supply of Derwent products, this competition not only offers significant recognition but also tangible rewards for artistic prowess. The innovative inclusion of a People’s Choice Award further underscores the engagement of art enthusiasts in recognizing outstanding contributions to the world of pencil art.
As the Derwent Art Prize continues to evolve, it remains a hallmark event for artists and enthusiasts alike, promoting pencil-based artistry as an enduring and vibrant facet of contemporary artistic expression. This competition inspires artists to delve into their creative depths, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with pencil and promoting international collaboration in the realm of visual artistry. With the exhibition scheduled for April 2024 at gallery@OXO in central London, this event promises to be a captivating exploration of pencil artistry, drawing art lovers from around the world to witness the incredible works of pencil-wielding visionaries.
The entry fee is £15 for the first work and £5 for additional works. Artists under 25 years of age will pay £5 per work.
Eligibility
The competition is open to artists over the age of 18 years old on 1 January 2024.
Prize
The Derwent Art Prize 2024 presents a prize fund of £13,000, including a £4,000 First Prize with a year’s supply of Derwent products, a £2,000 Second Prize, and awards for young artists. These include a Young Artist First Prize of £4,000, a Young Artist Second Prize of £2,000, and a People’s Choice Award worth £500. Additionally, a New Artist Award offers £500 to artists new to the competition. Notably, First and Second prize winners also receive a special box of Derwent Lightfast Pencils designed to preserve artwork for up to a century under museum conditions.