© Illustration by Shiroug Idris

opening new pathways

Connecting a fragmented field

The Illustrated Arab Programme collaborates with cultural institutions and initiatives across the Arab region to identify and support award-winning artist-led projects, connecting expertise that often sits across separate networks, languages and markets.

First Edition · 2025–2026

Second Edition · 2026–2027 - Launching October 2026

Discuss a collaboration
Discuss a collaboration

PROGRAMME LAUNCH · 2025–2027

Selected Artists

Illustration by Shiroug Idriss for The Girl Who Spoke to the Nile

Shiroug Idriss

Shiroug Idriss is developing her first book as both author and illustrator. Rooted in Nubian heritage and Sudanese folklore, the story follows the bond between two sisters through a contemporary narrative.

Sudan · The Girl Who Spoke to the Nile
Portrait of Egyptian illustrator Sohila Khaled

Sohila Khaled

The Road We Walk is an illustrated story for young children developed by Egyptian award winning illustrator Sohila Khaled, whose visual language draws on everyday life and rural landscapes.

Egypt · The Road We Walk
Portrait of Syrian illustrator Haya Halaw in her studio

The Little World Inside is Haya Halaw’s first picture book, both written and illustrated by the Syrian artist, who is based in Germany. It is a rare, deeply poetic work with universal resonance.

Syria/Germany · The Little World Inside

Haya Halaw

  • Fantasy illustration of an ornate tea party in a whimsical forest setting with fairy-like characters, mushrooms, and fairy houses.
  • Colorful drawing of two women in traditional clothing, sitting cross-legged on a blue patterned mat, with a black cat between them. They are in a desert landscape with palm trees, stylized buildings, and a bright yellow sun in the sky. There are birds flying, pink fish in a blue water area, and decorative patterns surrounding the scene.
  • A stylized illustration of a giant green face with large eyes and striped black and gold hair, with a tiny girl standing in front of it, holding hands and looking up.