The most highly commended entries entered are chosen by a professional industry selection panel for inclusion in the annual and, from these, for the 2025-2026 exhibition. The Illustration awards receives entries each year from all over the world and is sent round the globe!

There are two sections of the Awards: 'Student' and 'Emerging and Established'. The Student category is open to all students over 18 years of age worldwide. The Emerging and Established category is open to any practising illustrators who wish to gain exposure of their work and to those who are more established and are already a part of the illustration world.

The selected work will be showcased at several galleries and events across the UK in 2025-6, as well as published in the 18th Cheltenham Illustration Awards Annual, which will be distributed to educators and publishers, internationally. Past exhibition spaces have been Pitt Rivers Oxford, The London Book Fair, The Wilson Museum and Art Gallery, 16 Gallery Cheltenham, The Museum in the Park Stroud and the Chapel Arts, Cheltenham

FAQ

Can I submit work as a group?

Yes group / collective works are accepted

Can it be mixed media or unusual media?

Yes! We love illustrations that think outside the box! Crochet, Paper cut outs, 3D models…go for it!

Are you looking for one image?

Image submissions should be 1-3 image file/s, clearly named with you name, per image (max of 3). Within these images however there can be a selection of panels, images or cells if your submission is a narrative which relies on this format (i.e A comic).

Can I submit more than one image?

Yes. Entries are limited to 3 per person.

What is the theme?

Each year we offer a new theme for your interpretation. In 2024 is Tales of the Uncanny. This is free for you to explore.

When will I know if my submission is successful?

This year successful submissions will receive an email of confirmation in the autumn of 2025.

We get many entries so please don't be disheartened if you are unsuccessful. We get so many great images we cannot include due to only space for a limited amount, so we look for a diverse cross section of images.

Can i send my entry in an email with my information in an email itself?

No. 

Please do not do this as it will render your entry invalid and you will not be entered into the competition.

Do i call my entry 'CIA 2025' or the theme name?

No, Please name you work with the title (followed by "01" if it is part of a series).

I need help

Please email: pittvillepress@glos.ac.uk but bear in mind we are a small team and may be slow to respond!