The 2026 Illustrators Exhibition @ BCBF

A total of 20,840 illustrations have been submitted by 4,168 illustrators from 96 countries and regions around the world for the 2026 edition of the Illustrators Exhibition, the most celebrated initiative at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.

After meeting online to select the 317 finalists, the jury met in person in Bologna to choose 75 sets of illustrations by 75 artists from 31 countries and regions around the world. Among the most represented countries, feature: 9 illustrators from South Korea, 7 from Japan, 6 from Italy, 6 from Taipei, 5 from France and from China, and 4 from Brazil.

There are also numerous opportunities to support younger participants: the Bologna Children’s Book Fair – Fundación SM International Illustration Award and the ARS IN FABULA – Grant Award, organised by Ars in Fabula – School of Illustration, are specifically for illustrators aged under 35 and under 30 respectively.

Finally, there will be further opportunities for the finalists: during the fair, they will enjoy priority access and a guaranteed place for a portfolio review as part of the Illustrators Survival Corner activities, while one of them will be selected to create the 2027 visual identity of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, under the guidance of the Chialab design studio.