LAUNCH OF ILLUSTRATION AWARDS 2013

Thu 06 Dec 2012 by Emma_McCann

The Association of Illustrators (AOI) is set to announce details of its major annual competition for illustrators which has been rebranded as the Illustration Awards following 36 successful years as Images.  With the AOI entering its 40th year in 2013 as an organisation that represents the artistic and commercial interests of illustrators, it remains as committed as ever to maintaining the integrity of the industry as well as showcasing a range of contemporary talent.

Heng  Khoo, AOI’s Managing Director says,  “As the AOI approaches its 40th anniversary , we want our prestigious illustration awards to best reflect the scope and ambition of those working in the industry.  After the successful launch of Images 36 exhibition,  I am delighted that the Illustration Awards Exhibition will be held at Somerset House in autumn 2013”.

The Illustration Awards are produced annually by the AOI to recognise exceptional work by illustrators internationally and promote illustration as an essential contributor to global visual culture.  They are open to all illustrators working across all sectors  using any medium.

Louise O’Reilly, who is organising the Awards says, “Through Images the AOI has established itself as a producer of the most comprehensive illustration awards in the UK over the past three decades.  The 36 years of the Images competition is a fantastic legacy to build on and the Illustration Awards are the natural part of its evolution”.

There are eight categories for submissions which are Advertising, Books, Children’s Books, Design, Editorial & Social Comment, Research & Knowledge Communication, Public Realm and Self-initiated Projects.  Each category will be judged by a panel of three distinguished industry professionals.  The chair for 2013 will be writer and Varoom editor, John O’Reilly.

Helen Thomas  the AOI’s Exhibitions and Events Manager says, ”The exhibition and events programme that accompanied the awards this year introduced 17,000 members of the public to illustrations far reaching applications, its capacity to communicate and its potential to inspire. We look forward to building on this success next year with this exciting new chapter for the AOI and its awards programme.”

In a marked contrast to previous years, two overall award winners will be announced in the categories of Professional Illustration which is open to all practicing professionals, and New Talent, which is open to students and recent graduates.   These will be announced a a special award ceremony and exhibition launch at Somerset House in October 2013.  This year’s Images 36: Best of British Illustration exhibition attracted a record number of viewers during its month-long run at Somerset House. 

You can have a look at the  edited highlights of the  Images 36 launch event here:    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpLM_Zh2sPQ&feature=youtu.be

The call for entries will be announced during December

For further information please contact: 

Paul Smith

[email protected]

020 7759 1014          

www.theaoi.com

 

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