Jerwood Drawing Prize is the largest and longest running annual open exhibition for drawing in the UK. Selected from original drawings, the Prize has established a reputation for its commitment to championing excellence, and to promoting and celebrating the breadth of contemporary drawing. In 2017, the exhibition for the 2016 prize was held at the Turnpike for the first time and was the only representation of the prize in the North West. Including hand drawn, digital, moving image and sculptural works, the exhibition provided a platform to showcase the work of artists, from student to established, and explored the possibilities and importance of drawing in all its forms.

Jerwood Drawing Prize is a joint initiative, led by Professor Anita Taylor, at Bath Spa University, School of Art and Design, and supported by Jerwood Charitable Foundation through its contemporary gallery programme Jerwood Visual Arts.