The Folio Society is seeking emerging illustrators to bring the haunting opening chapter of Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro to life. The competition, now open until 26 May 2026, promises a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their talent and creativity.

The annual Folio Book Illustration Award is designed to highlight new illustrators, with the winning artist set to feature in a future Folio edition, alongside a generous cash prize of £2,000. Five runners-up will also receive a £500 voucher each. The judging panel includes notable figures such as Folio Head of Editorial James Rose and 2025 Folio Book Illustration Award winner Dawn Xintong Yang.

Entrants are advised to capture the atmosphere, emotion, and ambiguity of Ishiguro’s opening chapter in their own distinctive style. Artists should interpret the quiet, unsettling world of Hailsham, where memory intertwines with friendship and mystery. AI-generated submissions will not be accepted.

The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over who has not previously been commissioned by The Folio Society. Sign up now for Creative Bloq’s daily newsletter, which brings the latest from the worlds of art, design and technology.