The 30th anniversary edition of the Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava (BIB) will take place next year. Autumn and winter in Bratislava will turn into a fantasyland and the city will live with illustrations of children's books from all over the world. The BIB international competition of original book illustrations for children and youth presents the best that has been created in the world of children's illustration over the past 2 years. It will take place between October 3, 2025 and January 10, 2026 in Bratislava Castle. The event will traditionally be held under the auspices of UNESCO and The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic.
BIB is the largest non-commercial event in the world in the field of children's illustration and probably the most important international event in Slovakia. It is a "home jewel" and a "unique" that Slovakia has. The first year of BIB took place in 1967. Among its founders is Dušan Roll, Miroslav Cipár, Albín Brunovský and other enthusiasts of book illustrations for children.
BIB 2025 returns to Bratislava Castle again. In the Knight's Hall, there will be an exhibition of competitive original book illustrations for children, as well as an exhibition of the winner of the BIB Grand Prix from the previous year and the winners of the H. CH. Andersen Awards for illustration and literature. Another installation on the West Terrace of Bratislava Castle will show the work of 3 illustrators who won the non-statutory awards of BIB 2023. An international jury composed of experts from the field of book culture will award prizes to the best illustrators – Grand Prix, 5 golden apples, 5 plaques and honorable mentions to publishers. Each country can be represented by a maximum of 10 illustrators.
In the jubilee year, BIBIANA is preparing many accompanying events across Slovakia, many interesting activities for children, an interactive publication... We will inform you about everything gradually.
It is often said that the illustration is the most important element of a book, which can attract and stimulate a child's imagination, but also bring unusual emotions... And let's talk – illustrations from children's books also evoke pleasant and unrepeatable memories for us adults. Let's open a fairytale world to children together and enjoy this exceptional event again next year.
We will inform you about all details, accompanying programs and activities soon.
