The Book Illustration Competition (BIC) returns this September, giving illustrators (both student and professional) the opportunity to win an exclusive commission from The Folio Society to illustrate the Jane Austen classic, Mansfield Park. A partnership between The Folio Society and House of Illustration, this year’s BIC will be open for entries from 8 September 2016 until 16 January 2017.

Now in its seventh year, BIC 2017 provides a fresh new challenge, requiring entrants to create the Mansfield Park binding in keeping with the four Jane Austen titles already published in this series by The Folio Society. The winner of the 2017 competition will be revealed at an exclusive ceremony at House of Illustration in February 2017, and will receive the prestigious commission worth £5,000. Five prizes of £500 each will be presented to the other shortlisted entries and three of the prize-winners must be students.

Art Director at The Folio Society and BIC Judge, Sheri Gee, comments on the exciting new test for illustrators; ‘The BIC is a highlight in my calendar, it’s always a thrill to discover how entrants will interpret the brief. This year will be even more interesting as they are required to produce a binding worthy of standing alongside the word of such established illustrators as Sam Wolfe Connelly for Emma, Phillip Bannister for Sense and Sensibility and Anna and Elena Balbusso with their award-winning illustrations for Pride and Prejudice. The team at Folio and House of illustration are eager to see how entrants will rise to the challenge.’

Since launching in 2009, the competition has become known for identifying and cultivating the best illustration talent in the UK and overseas. The 2016 winner, Alan Marks, won the opportunity to illustrate The Folio Society edition of War Horse by Michael Morpurgo (see below), and the 2015 winner, David McConochie, has received further acclaim by being awarded Illustrator of the Year at the 2016 V&A Illustration Awards for his haunting work for The Folio Book of Ghost Stories.

Fellow judge Colin McKenzie, Director of House of Illustration, said: ‘I believe this is one of the most exciting competitions for illustrators in the world. BIC 2017 will be even more interesting, as it’s the first time we have provided a specific brief for the binding. We can’t wait to find out how entrants will interpret this when it comes to selecting the long list, shortlist and the 2017 winner.’

The selected long list will be exhibited at House of Illustration in February 2017.

The annual international competition is open to illustrators over the age of 18, both student and professional, who have not been previously commissioned by The Folio Society.

Illustrators can visit www.houseofillustration.org.uk/BIC2017, where they will find all the necessary details to enter.