The Jerwood Drawing Prize is the country’s leading award in drawing, and is the largest and longest running annual open exhibition dedicated to drawing in the UK. Over 2300 entries were submitted this year for consideration by the distinguished panel of judges comprising of Tania Kovats, Artist; Roger Malbert, Senior Curator, Hayward Touring, Southbank Centre, London and Nicholas Usherwood, Writer, Art Critic & Curator. The shortlist includes established artists as well as relative newcomers and students fresh from art school.

The shortlisted artists will display their nominated drawings in an exhibition at the Jerwood Space, London SE1 from 16 September to 25 October 2009. The awards will be announced at the private view on the evening of Tuesday 15^th September 2009. The exhibition will tour from the Jerwood Space to venues in Cardiff, Aberdeen, Bideford and Cheltenham.

Roger Malbert, Senior Curator, Hayward Touring, Southbank Centre, London and one of the 2009 exhibition selectors, has commented: ‘Drawing is the most immediate and direct form of visual expression, and the most personal; In many ways it's where art begins. The resurgence of interest in drawing among contemporary artists gives a new relevance to the Jerwood Drawing Prize, and it was a privilege to be asked to judge this year's submission.’