The Illustrator of the Year Award is Singapore’s first award for book illustrators, a crucial contributor to vibrant children’s literature. 

It is open to Singaporean citizens and PRs who have illustrated a work of children’s literature published in Singapore during the period 1 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025. The winner will be recognised at the festival’s opening ceremony, with a prize of $10,000. Shortlisted artists will be invited to exhibit alongside the winner at the festival.

Submissions for the 2026 award are now open.

ILLUSTRATORS GALLERY

The festival gallery featured shortlisted artists from the Illustrator of the Year Award, a special exhibition by the winning Illustrator of the Year, as well as student works from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, showcasing the next generation of illustrators. The 2025 Illustrator of the Year was John See Lim, recognised for his work in Grandpa Yeh’s Journey South.

The Illustrators Gallery 2026 will run at the NAFA Fashion Gallery from 19 June to 5 July 2026.

2025 Illustrators Gallery

2024 Illustrators Gallery