University-led Illustration Awards attract high-quality entries from around the world

University of Gloucestershire is bringing work by an international selection of illustrators to the county as organiser of the prestigious Cheltenham Illustration Awards.

The Awards receive more than 100 entries each year from all over the world, with the 25 most highly commended works this year being showcased in a free public exhibition at the University’s Elwes Gallery at Park Campus from 9 to 25 March.

Highly commended works are also included in a printed postcard annual designed by the University’s Illustration team to accompany the exhibition.

Among this year’s entries selected for inclusion in the annual awards, judged by illustrators Petr Horáček, Anna Ryzhova (Illustrations Award winner from 2024) and Louise Lockhart, is work by University of Gloucestershire BA (Hons) Illustration graduates Chelsea Shuker and Jodie Dean.

In celebration of the awards, the University is hosting the Cheltenham Illustration Awards Closing Party at the Elwes Gallery on Wednesday, 25 March (5pm to 7pm). There will also be an opportunity to purchase work produced by staff, students and graduates in Elwes reception (2pm to 7pm).

The evening will provide guests with opportunities to meet illustrators and enjoy the University’s annual exhibition showcasing the best illustration work by students and emerging illustrators. 

The Cheltenham Illustration Awards are administered by the University under the auspices of Pittville Press, which is run by the Illustration department to promote, publish and celebrate work by illustrators of all kinds.

Emma Evans, Illustration technician and awards co-organiser, said: “The Illustration department at the University has been running the Cheltenham Illustration Awards for nearly two decades and the standard of the work we receive from around the world remains as high as ever.

“The theme for the 18^th run of the awards was ‘Uncanny’ and this year’s highly commended entries represent many cultures and explore a wide variety of spooky and curious subjects and themes – it’s a real honour for the University to host this array of exciting artwork.

“The exhibition and closing party are both free to attend, and we welcome anyone interested including staff, students, alumni and the public. During the summer the work will be exhibited at Museum in the Park in Stroud.”

Main image: The poster illustration, Skye and Earth – Crow Over the Sea by Sam Jones, for the 2026 Cheltenham Illustration Awards