World Illustration Awards 2026
Touring Exhibition
Galleria Kuvitus is hosting the World Illustration Awards 2026 Touring Exhibition
The World Illustration Awards are a celebration of the resilience, creativity, imagination and vitality of the industry. Delivered by the Association of Illustrators in partnership with the USA-based Directory of Illustration, this unique exhibition is a varied and vibrant survey of illustration, showcasing the very best work being made by emerging new talent and professional illustrators across the world today.
The exhibition will include the 20 Category Winners and 20 Highly Commended projects as well as the 4 Cross-Category Award Winners, and 2 Overall Winners.
The winners were selected by an independent jury from a shortlist of 200 projects, drawn from over 4,500 entries from 80 countries entered into the ten categories.
From book covers to newspapers, packaging to murals, illustration is the visual language of everyday life. This exhibition celebrates this most engaging of art forms in its broadest sense. Showcasing a diverse range of styles, materials and topics, featuring an extraordinary range of illustration practice across vibrant industry sectors including Advertising, Children’s Publishing, Design and Science, the exhibition reveals the innovative ideas and techniques at the forefront of illustration today.
I’ve enjoyed the judging so much. It’s amazing to see the breadth of talent within the illustration community.
Clinton Campbell -Co-Founder and Director Muti, WIA2026 Site Specific category judge
There are ten award categories including Advertising, Animation, Book Covers, Children’s Publishing, Design, Product & Packaging, Editorial, Exploration, Publishing, Science & Technology and Site Specific. The call for entries runs from December to February in each award year.
All 500 longlisted, 200 shortlisted and 44 winning projects and more information can be found at: worldillustrationawards.com
The AOI has been holding an annual illustration competition for over 50 years. Read more.
The Association of Illustrators
The Association of Illustrators (AOI) is the world’s leading illustration body supporting and sustaining illustrators and the illustration industry. Established in 1973 the AOI offers members from around the world professional support, online resources as well as holding meet ups, webinars and events throughout the UK. The AOI has successfully campaigned to increase the standing of illustration as a profession and improve commercial and ethical conditions. With a membership that includes freelance illustrators, agents, students and colleges the AOI continues to support and educate future generations at every stage of their career.
Workbook’s Directory of Illustration
The Directory of Illustration is widely regarded as the world’s leading marketing program for illustrators. Their website and print resources are relied on by thousands of qualified art buyers when they need to commission illustration.
The World Illustration Awards 2026 are supported by:
