The Northern Festival of Illustration is opening its doors to the next generation of creative talent with the launch of its brand-new Young Illustrators Prize for 2027. The competition invites young creatives aged 12 to 18 to explore the theme ‘The Art of Being’, with up to £500 in cash prizes and opportunities to exhibit their work alongside world-renowned artists at the festival.
Open to young people across the UK and internationally, the competition aims to inspire budding creatives to explore illustration as an exciting form of self-expression, while introducing them to the possibilities of pursuing a future in the creative industries.
Based in Hartlepool, the biennial Northern Festival of Illustration has celebrated illustration and visual storytelling since 2015. Through exhibitions, workshops and events, the festival showcases established and emerging artists, championing the important role illustration plays across the creative industries.
Historically, the festival’s competitions have focused on professional and emerging illustrators. The introduction of the Young Illustrators Prize marks an exciting new chapter, extending these opportunities to a younger generation.
Festival Director and Senior Lecturer on The Northern School of Arts’ BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application programme, Matthew Burton, said:
“We want to be able to offer opportunities as broadly as possible for young people to be able to engage with the creative industry. We have now added the Young Illustrator Prize to The Northern Festival of Illustration’s roster to engage young creatives across the country and internationally, and to shine a light on illustration as a creative outlet as well as a real commercial opportunity.”
The 2027 competition invites entrants to respond to the theme ‘The Art of Being’, celebrating the everyday wonder of being human. From moments of joy and unexpected experiences to everyday observations and bursts of creativity, young artists are encouraged to interpret the theme in their own way and tell their stories through illustration.
Speaking about the theme, Matt said: “We see ‘The Art of Being’ as a theme 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.”
With £500 in cash prizes available – £300 for the winner and £100 each for two shortlisted entrants – alongside opportunities to exhibit at the 2027 festival, the competition offers a valuable platform for young creatives to showcase their work and gain recognition.
Matt added: “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.”
To find out more, head to thefestivalofillustration.com.
