Featured among 78 illustrators, AOI Member Nina Mašina was awarded at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2024 in the “Illustrators Exhibition” selection.

Nina’s work for the children’s book “Marvelous World” was exhibited in its original form at the heart of the fair, on display for the professional public from the publishing world during 8-11 of April; demonstrating once again the role of the Exhibition as a unique showcase, a springboard for emerging artists and an opportunity also for those with established careers to meet and discover new possibilities.

Among the awarded exhibitors were also AOI Members Toby Rampton and Birgitta Sif, both based in the UK.

3520 illustrators had work submitted for the Illustrators Exhibition 2024, with a total o 17,600 works from 81 different countries and regions. This year the selection was performed by a jury that, after meeting online to shortlist 344 illustrators, came together in person in Bologna at the beginning of January to finalise the choice of 78 sets of illustrations, from 78 illustrators based in 32 different countries and regions.

Noting on the works submitted, the Jury reflected:

“Looking at where these illustrators come from, it was evident that some countries set great store by illustration and artistic production. Many artists nominated were, for example, from France and Iran, and the work submitted from these countries was generally of quite high quality. Other parts of the world, however, are showing a growing interest in the field. China, especially, sent in the highest number of entries to date, reflecting the rapid development in recent years of the Chinese children’s publishing market.”

We want to extend our congratulations to Nina and all illustrators selected!
The full list of exhibitors can be found here.

Find out more about Bolonga Children’s Book Fair here.