Ezra Jack Keats Showcase Prize
Forecasted
Ezra Jack Keats Showcase Prize supports a promising BIPOC children’s book illustrator, funding artistic needs and practical expenses to help them develop their art and grow professionally.
Funder: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Final submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: One cash prize of $3,500
Summary: Supports a promising BIPOC children’s book illustrator’s professional artistic development and growth.
Key Information: Applicants must be SCBWI members who identify as BIPOC and have not been traditionally published.
Description
The Ezra Jack Keats Showcase Prize is offered by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) in honor of the author and illustrator of children’s books including The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, and Peter’s Chair. It recognizes a promising BIPOC illustrator and supports professional artistic development and growth.
The prize focuses on visual storytelling for children in two formats: full-color picture book illustration for readers ages four to seven, or black-and-white middle grade illustration for readers ages eight to eleven. Applicants choose one audience and genre and submit images that best showcase their portfolio. The award supports both artistic needs and practical expenses that enable the recipient to develop or improve their art.
