Tapirulan Illustrators Contest 2026
Tapirulan Illustrators Contest 2026 is now open for entries!
Tapirulan Cultural Association recently has opened registration for its 21th competition, this year themed “FLOP“ and like every year is open to all super-illustrators, ready to surpass themselves and especially their competitors.
Short description
The Tapirulan Association recently has opened registration for its 21th edition of its Tapirulan Illustrators Contest 2026. Any artist from any part of the world can enroll by sending an illustration in a square format.
The purpose of the Tapirulan contest is not only to award an illustrator, but also to produce an exciting show, attract visitors and focus public attention on illustration as a profession.
Each edition revolves around a specific theme, encouraging artists to explore conceptual depth, visual experimentation, and narrative strength through a single original illustration.
For its 21st edition, the contest invites participants to interpret the theme “FLOP,” a concept open to multiple readings ranging from failure and irony to transformation, contradiction, and unexpected outcomes.
Illustrators are asked to submit one square-format artwork that reflects their personal style and creative approach while engaging meaningfully with the theme. The open-ended nature of the topic allows for diverse artistic expressions, making the competition a showcase of global illustration trends, techniques, and visual storytelling methods.
Every candidate is allowed to submit only one brand-new work. Works which have been awarded prizes previously will not be accepted.
The jury will be composed of a special guest (to whom a monographic exhibition will be dedicated), illustrators, publishers and other professionals linked to the world of illustration and design.
A jury will select 52 artworks to be published in the catalogue and to be displayed in the exhibition. All selected artists will have their work exhibited in Italy, in Cremona in March 2026. Twelve of the selected illustrators will have their work included in the Tapirulan Calendar 2026.
Submission requirements:
➜ You may submit only one illustration. Any medium and technique are allowed. Each work must be square-shaped (not smaller than 25×25 centimetres and not bigger than 40×40 centimetres). In case of a digital image, it should be 31×31 centimetres (300 dpi – JPG format – best quality).
Who may enter?
Artists of all nationalities can participate in the competition. There is no age limit however underage candidates need parents’ authorization.
Prize:
Prizes include a €3,000 Jury Prize awarded to the top illustrator selected by the jury, publication in the exhibition catalog, display in the international exhibition in Cremona in April 2026, and an invitation for a solo exhibition at the Tapirulan Gallery; additionally, a €500 Popular Prize is awarded to the artist receiving the most votes from registered subscribers, and selected artists have opportunities to be featured in the Tapirulan calendar and exhibition.
Entry fees:
Entry fee is 15 euros. If you are a member of “Associazione Tapirulan” for the current year you can take part in the contest freely.
