The 21st Tapirulan Illustrators Contest is an international illustration competition organized annually by the Tapirulan Cultural Association, based in Cremona, Italy. Widely recognized within the contemporary illustration and visual arts scene, the contest aims to promote emerging and established illustrators by offering them a prestigious platform to showcase their work to an international audience. Each edition revolves around a specific theme, encouraging artists to explore conceptual depth, visual experimentation, and narrative strength through a single original illustration.
For its 21st edition, the contest invites participants to interpret the theme “FLOP,” a concept open to multiple readings ranging from failure and irony to transformation, contradiction, and unexpected outcomes. Illustrators are asked to submit one square-format artwork that reflects their personal style and creative approach while engaging meaningfully with the theme. The open-ended nature of the topic allows for diverse artistic expressions, making the competition a showcase of global illustration trends, techniques, and visual storytelling methods.
Selected works are featured in a curated international exhibition held in Cremona, reinforcing the contest’s role as a cultural event that connects artists, professionals, and the public. In addition to the physical exhibition, the contest includes the publication of an official catalog, further amplifying the visibility of participating illustrators. Through its strong emphasis on artistic quality, originality, and professional exposure, the Tapirulan Illustrators Contest continues to be a significant opportunity for illustrators seeking international recognition, career development, and inclusion in a respected artistic network.
The entry fee for the contest is €15, though members of the Associazione Tapirulan for the current year can enter for free.
Eligibility
Illustrators of any nationality worldwide are eligible to participate, with each candidate allowed to submit only one original square-format illustration.
Prize
Prizes include a €3,000 Jury Prize awarded to the top illustrator selected by the jury, publication in the exhibition catalog, display in the international exhibition in Cremona in April 2026, and an invitation for a solo exhibition at the Tapirulan Gallery; additionally, a €500 Popular Prize is awarded to the artist receiving the most votes from registered subscribers, and selected artists have opportunities to be featured in the Tapirulan calendar and exhibition.
