Vivinavi : Nerima : (Japan) Nerima

This text has been translated by auto-translation. There may be a slight difference between the original text and the translation. (Original Language: 日本語)

"2026 Italy ・ Bologna International Picture Book Original Art Exhibition" to Be Held ～ Picture book illustrations from various countries and regions gather in Itabashi ！ ～

The Itabashi City Art Museum will host an exhibition featuring all the winning works from the “2026 Bologna International Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition ・ Illustrators Exhibition （” （ * ）,” which has garnered worldwide attention.

This exhibition allows visitors to enjoy works featuring a diverse range of themes, expressions, and ・ techniques from around the world. Additionally, as a special feature, the exhibition will showcase new picture books by Ukrainian artist ・ Maria （ Haiduk ）, who won the “Bologna SM Publishing Award （ * ） ” at the age of 19, will be featured as a special exhibition. Furthermore, we will host numerous events—including lectures, lecture series, and workshops on picture books—that allow a wide range of people to engage with picture book culture.

Since hosting the “Italy ・ Bologna International Picture Book Original Art Exhibition” at the Itabashi City Art Museum in 1981, the ward has been deepening its ties with the city of Bologna, Italy ・. In recent years, through various activities and initiatives centered on picture books, we have been developing and promoting “Itabashi: The Town of Picture Books” as the ward’s brand. This year, from July 18 to August 16, we will also hold the inaugural “Itabashi Picture Book and Design Festival － A Summer Festival Opening Up the Possibilities of Picture Books and Design － ,” an event that will delight visitors with the world of picture books and the charm of design.

*“Italy ・ Bologna International Picture Book Original Art Exhibition （ Illustrators Exhibition”* is an exhibition held annually in Bologna, Italy, in conjunction with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, showcasing the winning entries from an illustration competition for children’s books. It offers a glimpse into current trends and future directions in children’s books and is known as a launching pad for emerging illustrators. This year, marking the 60th edition, 4,158 entries were submitted from 94 countries and regions, and 75 artists from 33 countries and regions—including seven from Japan—were selected.

*The “Bologna SM Publishing Award” was established by the Bologna ・ Children’s ・ Book Fair and Spain’s SM Foundation with the aim of discovering, and support new talent in the field of illustration. Each year, the winner is selected from among the Bologna Fair finalists who are 35 years old or younger. The winner is awarded a cash prize and the opportunity to have a picture book published by SM Publishing in Spain.

Dates
July 8, Reiwa 8 (Wednesday) ～ August 16 (Sunday) 9:30 ～ 17:00 （ Last admission at 16:30 ）

* Closed ： Mondays and July 21 (Tuesday)

*However, the museum will be open on July 20 (Monday ・ public holiday) the museum will be open

Venue
Itabashi City Art Museum （ 5-34-27 Akatsuka, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo － － ）

・ Get off at “Nishi-Takashimadaira Station” on the Toei Mita Line; approximately 14 minutes on foot

・ From “Shimo-Akatsuka Station” on the Tobu Tojo Line Get off at “Shimo-Akatsuka Station” on the Tobu Tojo Line or “Akatsuka Station” on the Tokyo Metro, then walk about 24 minutes

Admission
Adults: 900 yen, University students: 600 yen, High school students and younger: Free

* Ages 65 and older ・ Discounts available for people with disabilities （ Proof of eligibility required ）

Special Exhibitions ・ Lectures ・ Workshops ● Special Exhibition

We will showcase new picture books by Maria ・ Haiduk （ Maria Haiduk ） from Ukraine—who won the “Bologna SM Publishing Award” in 2025 at the young age of 19—as well as original artwork from two Japanese picture books that won the “Bologna ・ Ragazzi Award （ BRAW ）.”

● Lectures

We will host lectures and talk events featuring a variety of professionals involved in the picture book industry.

● Workshops

We are planning workshops for illustrators led by experts active on the front lines of picture book creation, picture book-making classes for middle and high school students, and arts and crafts workshops for children.

Bologna SM Publishing Award

Established by the Bologna ・ Children’s ・ Book Fair and Spain’s SM Foundation, with the aim of discovering, encouraging, and supporting new talent in the field of illustration. Each year, winners are selected from among the finalists of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair who are 35 years old or younger. Winners are awarded a cash prize and the opportunity to have their picture book published by SM Publishing in Spain.

The Bologna ・ Ragazzi Award

Organized by the Bologna ・ Children’s ・ Book Fair for published picture books, with judging conducted in separate categories such as fiction and nonfiction.