For this edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, The Illustrators Survival Corner returns once again - the space dedicated to illustrators curated by Mimaster Illustrazione and created to offer opportunities for discussion, in-depth exploration, and professional growth to the Fair’s audience.
Publishers, agents, illustrators, art directors, and authors will bring to life a rich program of masterclasses, workshops, and portfolio reviews exploring the key areas of the profession, always with an eye on new market trends and the future evolution of the field.
As every year, The Illustrators Survival Corner will host leading names in international illustration. This edition will feature Angie Kang, Beatrice Alemagna, Sophie Blackall, Catia Chien, Matthew Forsythe, Sergio Ruzzier, and Sydney Smith among its protagonists.
Highlights not to be missed include a talk curated by the Sendak Fellowship dedicated to Maurice Sendak and to the value of studying past masters as a source of inspiration and creative direction; Matthew Forsythe’s masterclass on building fantastical worlds; and a two-voice dialogue between two of the greatest names in children’s illustration, Sophie Blackall and Sergio Ruzzier. Graphic designer Riccardo Falcinelli will speak about Marie Neurath and the pioneering role of infographics in modern visual communication; Catia Chien and Beatrice Alemagna will join Leonard Marcus to explore the world of children’s illustration; and a panel featuring the Sendak Foundation, Aria Ungerer, and Ai Komagata will discuss how they work to preserve and enhance the artistic legacies of great authors.
There will also be workshops led by Angie Kang, Ali Boozari, Sydney Smith, and Sunkyung Cho; a live painting session guided by Ieva Babilaitė; a meeting dedicated to Chinese Excellence in Children’s Illustration; and a series of talks focused on professional skills.
The Survival Corner will also host the exhibition The Original Art, one of the most prestigious initiatives organized by the Society of Illustrators in New York, accompanied by a series of related activities including workshops and guided tours.
Portfolio reviews - long considered one of the most appreciated opportunities for illustrators seeking career advice - will also return, featuring professionals such as Marianna Balducci, Anna Castagnoli, Kate Cosgrove, Laurent Linn, and Marc Majewski, as well as publishers including Amanuta, Becco Giallo, Chronicle Books, Kalandraka, and Penguin Random House.
A special space will be dedicated to a series of licensing-focused portfolio sessions organized by BLTF/Kids.
The Portfolio Marathon will return again this year on Thursday, April 16 — an entire day dedicated to portfolio reviews. This initiative, created by Mimaster Illustrazione and the Bologna Children's Book Fair, is designed for finalists of the Illustrators Exhibition 2026. It aims to reward talent and the achievements of those who passed the jury’s first selection, while facilitating connections between publishers and emerging voices in international illustration.
On the occasion of the Portfolio Marathon, participants’ portfolios will also be evaluated for the BCBF26 edition of the Bologna Portfolio Award, which offers the illustrator with the best portfolio a trip to participate in the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair in November 2026.
For the first time, The Illustrators Survival Corner will also offer selected activities created in collaboration with sponsors who have chosen to actively support creativity: Carioca and Fedrigoni will help make the experience even richer and more stimulating by providing creative activities and materials for participating illustrators.
63rd edition 13- 16 April 2026 | Bologna - Italy
