John Downton Awards
The awards
The John Downton Award for Young Artists is an annual exhibition which encourages and celebrates the creativity of Kent's young artists. It is open to students aged 11 to 18 from schools and colleges across Kent.
The award is hosted by us on behalf of the John Downton Trust. The exhibition commemorates the life and work of John Downton, the celebrated Kent artist, poet and philosopher.
Through a process of mentoring and advice, we aim to use the awards to demonstrate the value of creative careers.
2024 John Downton Awards
Applications are now closed.
The John Downton Awards evening and exhibition will take place in County Hall, Maidstone.
2023 winners
| Category | 11 to 16 age group winner | 17 to 18 age group winner |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Commended | Erica Du Rietz Barton Court Grammar School | Flo Sheldon Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School |
| Bronze | Upkeerat Kaur Bains St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School | Alexandra Townsend-Jones Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School |
| Silver | Rebecca Kemp Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School | Charley Kingsland St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School |
| Gold | Joanna Widyma Highworth Grammar School | Pip Wilson Highworth Grammar School |
| Painting | Poppy Reid-Croucher Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School | Shantih Hone Simon Langton Girls Grammar School |
| Drawing | Madison Woodward Highsted Grammar School | Emilie Clegg St Simon Stock Catholic School |
| Mixed Media | Daniel Padfield Barton Court Grammar School | Toby Roberts Tonbridge Grammar School |
| Photography | Macie Smith King Ethelbert School | Evie Anker Dover Grammar School for Girls |
| Best school | Barton Court Grammar School | |
Email johndowntonawards@kent.gov.uk if you need any further support.