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.
2023 John Downton Awards
The application process is now open for schools to submit entries. The deadline for entries is 5pm on 12 October 2023. Teachers can email johndowntonawards@kent.gov.uk to request an application form.
Find out how schools can apply and read the terms and conditions (PDF, 194.6 KB).
The John Downton Awards evening and exhibition will take place in County Hall, Maidstone.
2022 winners
| Category | 11 to 16 age group winner | 17 to 18 age group winner |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Commended | Noah Precious St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School | Beth Kuhepa Bethany School |
| Bronze | Themadi Wickramanayake Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School | Dilan Ali Barton Court Grammar School |
| Silver | Jacob Penn Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School | Gabrielle Bozec Tonbridge Grammar School |
| Gold | Willem Curtin Bethany School | Ruby Vincent Highworth Grammar School |
| Painting | Bella Richardson Towers School and Sixth Form Centre | Alice-May Barratt Barton Court Grammar School |
| Drawing | Peyton Osborne Towers School and Sixth Form Centre | Kiera Beerstecher Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School |
| Mixed Media | Henry Moorhouse Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School | Megan Lee St. John's Catholic Comprehensive School |
| Photography | Kiana Beaney The Whitstable School | Masami Illliffe Barton Court Grammar School |
| Best school | Barton Court Grammar School | |
If you require further information please email johndowntonawards@kent.gov.uk.