SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards now open

Calling all Australian illustrators – established, emerging and in between. The SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards are now open.

What are the awards?
According to the SCBWI website:

The SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards recognise the talent of PAL published Australian children’s illustrators, in visual narrative for picture books and graphic novels from early childhood to young adult. The Award is managed by SCBWI Australia East & New Zealand and is funded by the Copyright Agency.

What are the award categories?
There are three categories for these awards. They are:

• Established Illustrator Award
• Developing Illustrator Award
• Emerging Illustrator Award

The winners in each category will receive prize money to assist them with creating a new graphic novel or visual narrative picture book. 

In addition to the above award categories, there will also be an Award Illustrator Showcase.

According to the SCBWI website:

A limited number of places will be available for an online Award Illustrator Showcase which will feature on the SCBWI website and will be promoted to industry professionals. The purpose of the Showcase is to highlight the talent of SCBWI illustrators and to acknowledge outstanding applications for the Award.

What can the prize money be used for?
The awards can be used to help cover living expenses, travel and research costs, art materials, costs associated with training in a traditional technique, new technology, writing, design or layout, or costs associated with working with experts in identified areas of need including writing, editing or art methods.

Applications are now open and close 1 December 2020.

To find out more about the award and to enter, visit the SCBWI website.