Every two years, Ilustrarte brings together children’s books illustrators, originals, publishers and readers of all ages. Children’s books illustrators from all over the world are invited to participate on the competition sending 3 original illustrations, published or unpublished.

The purposes of Ilustrarte are:

• to promote illustration of children’s books as a form of art.
• to create a space and an opportunity to see and discuss the world’s best illustration.
• to establish Portugal as one of the world’s leading centres, promoting children’s books illustration.

The size of each illustration must not exceed 40 x 60 cm. Technique and medium are at the discretion of the artist. Only original illustrations will be accepted, except in the case of digital works in which case printouts are required.

As soon as received‚ the illustrations will be insured (400 Euro per illustration) until they are returned to the authors. All illustrations will be returned by surface registered mail using their original packaging.

The Jury will be composed of illustrators, designers, art directors and editors from Portugal as well as international.

There is no entry fee.

Eligibility

This contest is open to children’s books illustrators from all over the world.

Prize

The selected entries will take part at the exhibition and one will be awarded the Ilustrarte prize 2014. The prize of 5000 Euro (approx. 6,500 USD) will be awarded on the opening night of the exhibition, on January 2014.

Moreover, a bilingual catalogue will be available for the exhibition. Each illustrator will be granted two pages in the catalogue and a biographical note. Two copies of the catalogue will be given to each selected participant.

The exhibition of the selected entries will be presented from January to April 2014 at Museum of Electricity in Lisbon, Portugal. In the 2012 edition, 1600 candidates from 65 countries sent their work, 50 illustrators were selected to the exhibition visited by 18.000 people.