Global Canvas 2026: Wildlife Art Competition for Children (Up to 16)

Global Canvas 2026: The Book of Life — International Wildlife Art Competition for Children (Up to 16 Years)

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) has opened entries for Global Canvas 2026, one of the world’s largest and most respected international wildlife art competitions for children and young people. This year’s powerful theme, “The Book of Life”, invites young artists to creatively express how wildlife and nature can be protected before species are lost forever.

Global Canvas is more than an art contest — it is a global platform that encourages children to think, feel, and act for wildlife conservation through creativity.

🎨 About Global Canvas Competition

Global Canvas is an annual international art competition organised by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a UK-based conservation charity working to protect endangered species and habitats worldwide.

The competition is open to children and young people up to 16 years of age, welcoming both individual entries and group submissions from schools, art clubs, and community organisations.

🌍 Theme 2026: The Book of Life

The Book of Life represents Earth’s incredible biodiversity — from tiny plankton to majestic elephants. Scientists estimate that our planet holds up to 10 million species, but every time a species goes extinct, a page is lost forever.

For Global Canvas 2026, young artists are asked to show:

• How wildlife can be protected
• How habitats can be restored
• How humans can stop illegal wildlife trade
• How we can keep the Book of Life open forever

This theme encourages children to reflect on conservation, extinction, and hope — and turn those ideas into meaningful artwork.

👧👦 Who Can Participate?

✔️ Children and young people up to 16 years of age
✔️ Open to participants worldwide
✔️ Individual artists and groups (schools / clubs) can apply
✔️ No prior experience required — only creativity and passion for nature

🗓️ Important Dates (2026)

• Entry Opens: 30 September 2025
• Entry Closes: 19 February 2026
• Winners Announced: 1 May 2026 (Live Final Event)

🖌️ How to Enter Global Canvas 2026

Participants can choose one of the following entry options:

🔹 Individual Entry – for single artists
🔹 Group Entry – for schools, classrooms, or art groups

Entries must be submitted using the official entry forms available on the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation website.

🌱 Why Participate?

Participating in Global Canvas helps young people:

• Develop creative thinking and artistic skills
• Learn about wildlife conservation and environmental protection
• Gain international recognition
• Be part of a global movement protecting endangered species
• Use art as a voice for the planet 🌍

Many past Global Canvas artworks have been showcased globally, inspiring conservation awareness across countries.

🐘 About David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is a leading conservation charity working to protect endangered wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, lions, painted dogs, pangolins, and chimpanzees through education, conservation action, and art.

Global Canvas is a core part of DSWF’s mission to empower the next generation of conservation champions.