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

The Designer Studio@BolognaBookPlus is curated by the acclaimed Milan institution, Mimaster Illustrazione, and further expands the cultural and professional offering for the fair’s audience, featuring  four days of masterclasses, workshops, and portfolio reviews led by a distinguished lineup of internationally renowned art directors, graphic designers and illustrators.

 

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.

 

BolognaBookPlus celebrates Norway, Guest of Honour 2026 and names Mari Kanstad Johnsen as Illustration Ambassador. Recognised as a leading talent across the general publishing and children’s sectors, Mari will be an anchor of the seminar and workshop programme at the new, space dedicated to design and illustration at BolognaBookPlus, The Designer Studio.

 

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.