I just recently uncovered information about an international award festival for newly published (within the last three years) picture books and unpublished picture book illustrations. The CJ Culture Foundation in Korea has set up the international CJ Picture Book Awards. Five newly published, original picture books released within the last three years will be awarded recognition. Additionally, five awards will be given for illustrations in unpublished picture books.

Their website says, “The CJ Culture Foundation aims to support illustrated books as they fully deserve to be, and lay the groundwork for the enrichment of both those who make them, and those who enjoy the fruits of their labor. Recognition of the fact that picture books by their very nature, transcend the boundaries of language and have no trouble making themselves understood, has led to the inauguration of the CJ Picture Book Festival, where generations and countries can freely come together in celebration of the art.

The award festival and exhibition takes place this year from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24. in Seoul, Korea. The submission window for this year has recently ended, however, next year’s submissions can be sent beginning in March 2010. For more information, visit this link.