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.
Please email johndowntonawards@kent.gov.uk for more information about the awards.
The exhibition
An exhibition of shortlisted work will be shown at County Hall in Maidstone from Tuesday 22 October 2019 to Wednesday 8 January 2020. Winners will be announced at an invitation-only awards evening on Tuesday 19 November.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the chance to vote in the People’s Choice Award. The result will be announced at the beginning of January 2020.
Selected works will then tour to Turner Contemporary in Margate from Saturday 18 January 2020 to Sunday 8 March 2020.
Trophy competition
Find out how you can enter a competition to design a new John Downton Trophy.
2018 winners
| Category | 11-16 | 17-18 |
|---|---|---|
| Highly commended | Lucas Gill, Sackville School | Jemima Gunston, Kent College, Pembury and Willow Winkins, Dartford Grammar School for Girls |
| Bronze | Molly Bax, Highworth Grammar School | Lauren Browne, Hillview School for Girls |
| Silver | Alfie Stevens, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School | Tobi Omotayo, Dartford Grammar School for Girls |
| Gold | Ella Thea Jackson-Harris, The Archbishop’s School | Mary Ward, Highworth Grammar School |
| Painting | Joseph Clinton, Oakwood Park Grammar School | Oscar Goodsell, The Norton Knatchbull School |
| Drawing | Isla Graham, The Archbishop’s School | Lewis Spooner, The Norton Knatchbull School |
| Mixed media | Laurel Fishlock, Dover Grammar School for Girls | Bethany Lewis, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School |
| Photography | Luiza Asavoaei, Northfleet School for Girls | James Welch, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School |
| Special award 2 x certificates | The Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Sam Fournillier, The Norton Knatchbull School | |
| Best overall school | St John’s Catholic Comprehensive School, Gravesend | |
| The People’s Choice Award | Charlie J Hardy from Maplesden Noakes School, Maidstone | |