Opening
New
Pathways
© Illustration by Shiroug Idriss
Making hidden voices visible
Illustrated Arab is our editorial production and mentoring programme supporting illustrators from the Arab region. Selected artists receive one-on-one editorial guidance, narrative development support, and assistance in structuring a professional book project.
How it works
The programme includes:
narrative & concept development, text/image exploration
visual direction & moodboarding, creation of an editorial dossier, preparation for publishers and cultural partners.
Selected Artists for The first edition
Shiroug Idriss
Shiroug is a Sudanese artist and medical doctor with 5+ years of freelance illustration experience. Her work spans comics, graphic novels, editorial, and children's books, drawing inspiration from African folklore and Afro-Arabian heritage...
Sohila Khaled
Sohila is an Egyptian children’s book illustrator known for her calm, minimalist style inspired by the countryside. She has collaborated with leading Arab publishers and uses techniques like paper collage and digital tools…
Sohila’s Portfolio, 2025
Haya Halaw
Haya Halaw is an award wining Syrian illustrator/ painter based in Hamburg Germany. Illustrated more than 18 children’s books . Her work also includes comics, Editorials, and paintings…
Illustrated arab Creative Advisory Group
Author of children’s books, translator, and Arabic teacher, active in Italian–Arabic bilingual publishing, based in Milan, Italy.
Alessandra Amorello
Hassan Manasrah
Palestinian-Jordanian multidisciplinary award winning artist, working across illustration, printmaking, and comics.
Raja Aderdor
Digital storyteller and photographer creating story-driven programs that promote learning and community engagement. Through cultural sensitivity and narrative craft and a deep care for the Arabic language, her work explores how people, places, and traditions shape one another.
Ana Luisa Castillo
Cultural mediator, art historian, and museology specialist trained in Cuba, Colombia, and Switzerland. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and mediation, she develops projects that connect art, audiences, and social issues.
FAQ
For Illustrators
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No. As a non-profit association, we do not charge artists to participate. Our aim is to support creative voices without creating financial barriers.
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Yes. We select artists who already have some professional experience.
Eligible applicants are visual artists (illustration, comics, graphic or experimental animation) -
We offer editorial guidance, narrative development, and help structuring your project into a professional publishing dossier.
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Illustrated Arab is not a publishing house. However, selected projects may be presented to publishers or considered for our micro-publishing initiative.
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Yes. Since Illustrated Arab is an editorial development programme, selected artists must have the ability to create or develop a story.
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No. We do not represent artists in an agent capacity. We offer project-based support and visibility, not contract negotiation or rights management.
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A small group each cycle, to ensure personalised and meaningful support.
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Yes. You are eligible if you live in the Arab region, in the diaspora, or if you maintain a strong connection with contemporary Arab narratives.