UPDATE: deadline extended to 22 February 2016.
For four decades, the AOI (Association of Illustrators) has presented the most comprehensive and significant awards for illustration in the UK. This year, after an incredibly successful first collaboration, they welcome back their international partner, the Directory of Illustration, to build on the success of the inaugural World Illustration Awards, honouring the most inspiring illustration throughout the world.
The World Illustration Awards promotes exceptional work by illustrators and presents illustration as a major force in global visual culture. The awards are international and open worldwide to illustrators working across all sectors and in any medium.
Work must be entered into one of the 8 categories. These are very broadly defined to welcome work of all types and in all contexts where illustration is used:
• Advertising
• Books
• Children's Books
• Design
• Editorial
• Public Realm
• Research and Knowledge Communication
• Self Initiated Work
Work must be entered as either a New Talent entry or a Professional entry. New Talent entrants are 3rd year undergraduate students, post-graduate students or graduates within two years of graduation. Professional entrants are all other professional illustrators.
There is no limit to the amount of entries you make. Entrants can submit as many entries as they choose and in as many different categories as they feel is appropriate.
Single entries cost 25 GBP per entry for UK and EU and 20.83 GBP (approx. 33 USD) per entry for the rest of the world. Multiple entries cost 45 GBP per entry for UK and EU and 37.50 GBP (approx. 60 USD) per entry for the rest of the world.
Eligibility
Open to illustrators working in any medium, context or geographical location. Work can be entered by the creator of the work (illustrator themselves) or by any third party such as an Agent, Designer, College, Publisher or Commissioner.
Prize
Shortlisted works will be showcased online, allowing commissioners and industry peers to browse work and contact successful artists directly. Each year's shortlist is available to view permanently in the Awards archive.
Award Winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at Somerset House, the major arts and cultural centre in the heart of London. Selected works will be exhibited in their spectacular Terrace Rooms before touring the UK, as well as being showcased in an accompanying publication, which will be circulated to all major commissioners of illustration.
Following its display at Somerset House the exhibition tours to multiple venues across the UK. This national tour receives approximately 40,000 visitors during its run. A publication will be also launched to coincide with this exhibition and will be available from October 2016.
