Derwent will present the Derwent Art Prize 2018, on display at London’s Mall Galleries, from 18th – 23th September 2018, showcasing the very best 2D & 3D artworks, created in pencil, coloured pencil, pastel, graphite and charcoal.

Following an international open call, 1278 artists from 64 different countries submitted a total of 3,299 artworks, the highest number of entries in the history of the Prize. Submissions were judged by an expert panel comprising Gill Saunders, Senior Curator, V&A; Chris Sharratt, Art Critic; and Clare Woods, Artist.

The shortlisted works offer an overview of international contemporary drawing approaches.

Chris Sharratt, judge said "being a selector for this year's Derwent Art Prize was the kind of challenge that you can't help but enjoy. The diversity of drawing practice and the energy, thought and skill displayed by so many of the artists was exciting to see and meant that some very good work didn't make the final selection. However, in the end I think that, after an intense process of discussion and careful consideration, this year's exhibition provides a fitting overview of contemporary drawing practice."

In addition to the selected artworks being hung in a public display at Mall Galleries, prizes totalling £12,500 will be awarded in a private awards ceremony on 20 September 2018. These include a First Prize of £6,000, Second Prize of £3,000, Third Prize of £1,500 and the Young Artist Award of £750 for an artist under 25 years of age. There is also a People’s Choice Award of £750, which gives the general public an opportunity to vote for their favourite shortlisted work. The poll will launch on the Derwent Art Prize Facebook page on 25th June 2018.

Subsequent to the exhibition at Mall Galleries, the Derwent Art Prize 2018 will tour to venues across the UK including Trowbridge Arts (29 September – 10 November 2018) and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick, Cumbria (until January 2018).