Magabala Books is offering an Indigenous artist or emerging illustrator the rare and exclusive opportunity to illustrate a children’s picture book by Magabala author Josie Wowolla Boyle. Entries are now open for the 2024 Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award, of which the winner will receive $10,000, a professional mentorship, and the opportunity to illustrate Josie's 'The March of the White Ants' into a picture book.

Established in 2017, the Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award is a national biennial award that seeks to identify new talent in the art of children’s picture book illustration.

The 2024 award builds on the success of the 2017 and 2019 Kestin Illustrator Award, won by Gapuwiyak artist Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr, whose winning illustrations featured in Little Bird’s Day by renowned author and illustrator Sally Morgan and Charmaine Ledden-Lewis who illustrated Bruce Pascoe’s first children’s book, Found.

‘When I heard I had won the award I felt really proud with my whole family. I like it that kids can learn reading and see my artwork. I hope kids around Australia will like this book.’ - Johnny Warrkatja Malibirr

Over a 30+ year period, Magabala Books has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers, authors and illustrators to publish more than 270 titles, and built an impressive resume of award-winning works. The Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award expands its unparalleled program of professional development opportunities for Indigenous authors and illustrators.

Please refer to the Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award guidelines and entry requirements here.

Further details for the Kestin Indigenous Illustrator Award can be found here. For further information, contact Magabala Books: projects@magabala.com or call (08) 9192 1991.

Applications close on Monday 12 August 2024.