A competition for young illustrators – with prizes including cash and the chance to exhibit - has been announced as part of next year’s Northern Festival of Illustration.
Entries are open now and close on January 31, 2027.
The biennial festival, launched in 2015 and based in Hartlepool, celebrates illustration and visual storytelling.
Traditionally it showcases the work of established and emerging artists, and champions the role played by illustration across the creative industries through workshops, exhibitions and events.
It’s with an eye to the next generation that the organisers have introduced the new Young Illustrators Prize for 2027 with creatives aged 12 to 18 eligible to enter, wherever they live.
The winner will receive £300, a festival gift bag plus certificate and the chance to exhibit at the 2027 festival. Two highly commended entries will win the same package but with £100.
Up to 10 shortlisted entries will be rewarded with a gift bag and certificate.
The competition theme is The Art of Being, which would seem to encompass almost anything.
Festival director Matt Burton, senior lecturer on the illustration for commercial application degree course at The Northern School of Art, explains: “We see The Art of Being as something that can be interpreted in any way young people choose.
“It could be the art of being hilarious, the art of being creative, the art of being magical.
“There really are no limits to how they approach it. We want entrants to put their own interpretation on the theme and embrace their individuality.”
He adds that the competition is to inspire young people to explore illustration as an exciting form of self-expression and maybe open their eyes to the possibility of a future in the creative industries.
“We’re really excited to see the artwork submitted to this year’s festival through this competition and discover what this new group of young illustrators has to offer,” he says.
A shortlist announced will be announced on March 1, 2027, and the winners on April 1.
Find details of how to enter the Young Illustrators Prize here.
The Northern Festival of Illustration 2027 will be held in the autumn.