Design and Illustration @BBPlus

Recognition of the production and design work of general trade publishing is celebrated each year at BolognaBookPlus, through a range of activities.

 

Designer Studio @BolognaBookPlus New

2026 brings a new area focussing on design and illustration, curated by Mimaster Illustrazione. It will host seminars, masterclasses, portfolio reviews and networking events.

 

Jackets Off! 

Is a project to put design in general trade publishing at the heart of the business of books. The showcase centres around one title published across many international editions: The Great Gatsby in 2025, War and Peace in 2024, 1984 in 2023, The Handmaid’s Tale in 2022. Jackets Off! examines the different interpretations of contemporary classics across cultures and languages. 2026 will focus on Agatha Christie jackets.

 

The holder of this year’s title Illustration Ambassador is Mari Konstad Johnsen, from Norway. She is the creator of this year’s Bologna 2026 visual identity, which you will

discover in Bologna 13 to 16 April 2026. Mari will feature in many events across BolognaBookPlus, including seminars, in conversations and portfolio reviews.

 

Talking Pictures 

A collaboration between BolognaBookPlus, Hamelin Association and Steven Guarnaccia that explores the cultural importance and ongoing impact of the contemporary international visual book from a selected market (Ukraine 2024, Estonia 2025). This year the focus is on Norway, in partnership with Grafill, Norway. It comprises a showcase, a jury, and a seminar

 

Society of Illustrators Exhibition New

For the first time in Europe, BolognaBookPlus hosts an exhibition of exclusive Gold and Silver medal winners from the prestigious Illustrators Annual competition, organized by the Society of Illustrators in New York. These were awarded between 2022 and 2026 in the Book category – dedicated to covers and illustrated books. Featured artists include Pablo Amargo, Nora Krug, Edel Rodriguez, Victo Ngai, and many more.