INTERNATIONAL DERWENT ART PRIZE 2026
Derwent, the internationally renowned fine art brand, are proud to announce that the eighth instalment of the Derwent Art Prize is now open for entries!
Created in 2012 by Derwent, the Derwent Art Prize celebrates and rewards excellence in contemporary pencil art, inviting artists to submit the very best in 2D and 3D artworks created in any pencil, including colour, water-soluble, pastel, graphite and charcoal pencils.
Dedicated to championing art made in pencil and supporting artists in their careers, the Derwent Art Prize presents an international exhibition in the beating heart of the Southbank at OXO Gallery and awards prizes to winning artists worth £13,500.
Artists have until 13 January 2026 to submit up to 6 works created in pencil.
Accepted mediums: Pencil, coloured pencil, water soluble, pastel, graphite and charcoal (all in either 2D or 3D).
Artists can enter online.
Artists are required to submit the following:
- The completed online entry form
- Images of up to 6 recent works, in digital format (jpg, max. 5MB file size)
- A non-refundable application fee
Following the selection process, all artists will be notified in February 2026. Artists who have not heard by this date should check the website for further details or contact Parker Harris, organisers of The Derwent Art Prize at derwent@parkerharris.co.uk.
From the open submission applications the panel will select approximately 80 works for exhibition. The artists selected for the final exhibition will be contacted by Parker Harris with full delivery details for their work.
A total prize fund of £13,500
- First Prize: £4,000 plus a year’s supply of Derwent products (Up to a monthly value of £50, including postage)
- Second Prize: £2,000
- Young Artist First Prize: (For artists under 25 years) £4,000
- Young Artist Second Prize: (For artists under 25 years) £2,000
- People’s Choice Award: £500
- New Artist Award: (For artists who have not previously entered the Derwent Art Prize) £500
- Educators Award: £500 inspired by Curtis Holder, an ambassador for Derwent who spent over 20 years as an educator in primary schools.
In addition, we are delighted to announce that all prize winners will receive a special tin of Derwent Lightfast Pencils. The revolutionary core is resistant to prolonged colour change, ensuring artwork will not fade for up to 100 years under museum conditions.
Image credit: Claudia Riccio Photography Ltd
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The Competition is open to all living artists over the age of 18 years old on 1st January 2026 and entries are permitted from the following geographical regions: Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia (participating countries: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand), The Middle East (participating countries: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan) and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand). Previous prize winners of the Derwent Art Prize are eligible for entry to this competition.
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The submitted entry (the “Work”) must be original, created in pencil (including water-soluble, pastel, graphite, charcoal or coloured pencils). The work must not exceed 182cms in its greatest dimension. There is no minimum size limit. The Competition is open to both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional works. Any component part of the pencil can also be used in the creation of artworks. All entered work must have been completed within the last 3 years. The work selected for exhibition must be available until 22nd April 2026. While the company shall endeavour to provide advance notice to all entrants with respect to key dates and timelines, the company reserves the right to make such alterations and changes to key dates as are reasonably necessitated.
| Deadline for submission | Tuesday 13 January 2026, 5pm (GMT), |
| Selection results released | Friday 6 February 2026 |
| Works delivered to London | March 2026, times and dates TBC |
| Private view | Wednesday 8 April 2026, 6pm – 8pm |
| Exhibition open to public | Thursday 9 April – Tuesday 19 April 2026, 11am to 6pm daily |
ENTRY FEES
GENERAL ADMISSION: The entry fee is £15 for the first work and £5 for each additional work. Artists may only enter once, with a maximum of 6 images.
YOUNG ARTIST CONCESSION: Artists under 25 years of age will pay £5 per work. Please note you will be asked to provide proof of age.
Price and currency will vary depending on country.
Please note that if you decide not to upload any works or fail to complete your application before the deadline refunds will not be given.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION AND PARTICIPATION, PLEASE GO TO THE COMPETITION WEBSITE – PLEASE CLICK –