Calling all visionary artists! Be a part of KL Illustration Fair 2026 – a canvas for your creativity to flourish. We welcome artists not just for artwork displays but also for book launches, product unveilings, sharing sessions, exhibitions, or workshops.

Requirements

Originality
Applicants must be the rightful creators of their works, ensuring originality without plagiarism or imitation of others’ creations.

Attendance
Shortlisted applicants must be able to travel to Kuala Lumpur to exhibit their works in person during the fair dates.

Artwork Types
We welcome a diverse range of illustrated work, including (but not limited to) hand drawings, digital drawings, picture books, collages, character IP, tattoo art, and doodle art.

Application Categories

Individual
Single artist application.

Collective
Group showcase featuring up to 4 collaborating artists or a studio team.

Commercial Booth
Reserved for Agencies, Institutions, Brands, and Official Sponsors ( Contact KLIF team)

Submission Timeline

1st Nov – 31st Dec 2025	Submission of Application
1st February 2026	Announcement of Shortlists
14th February 2026	Confirmation of Participation
1st March 2026	Exhibition Manual
1st April 2026	Announcement on Booth Layout
30th April 2026	Event Setup

Booth Type

KLIF offer two types of spaces to accomodate different needs.
Hosted at GMBB, a creative community mall in Kuala Lumpur, we make full use of its unique space to create an inspiring environment for artists.

We offer two primary options to suit individual and collective needs. All listed fees include a refundable deposit of RM600, which will be returned post-event upon confirmation of a clean and undamaged booth space.

Booth Type	Ideal For	Dimensions	Table Size	Rental Fee
Basic Booth	Solo Artists	1.2m (W) x 2.4m (H)	0.97m (W) x 0.44m (L) x 0.58m (H)	MYR 700 + RM600 (Deposit)
Art Room	Collectives, Group Shows	5.6m (L) x 3m (W) x 5m (H)	0.97m (W) x 0.44m (L) x 0.58m (H)	MYR 990 + RM600 (Deposit)

Panel of Judges

This year, KLIF introduces a diverse selection committee from various industry sectors, spanning Creative Agency & Advertising, Education & Academic & Experimental & Installation Art to ensure a comprehensive and fair shortlisting process.

Required Submission Assets

Artwork Submission
Submit 5 hi-res artworks that best represent your brand/studio for review. ( Collective / group show may submit collages of artist’s artwork within single image)

Presentation Deck
A deck to show your vision for the art space, provide an external link to a PDF, Google Deck, PPT, Landing Page, etc.

Profile Photo
Individual artists: Single Hi Res Image
Collectives: Single collages of image featuring all participating artists.

Artwork Usage: Submitted hi-res artworks will be used for KLIF marketing materials, which include (but are not limited to) official event posters, social media postings, wall stickers, and the KLIF Art Book published for the fair. They will not be used as merchandise or art prints without your explicit, written consent.

Deadline: 31st December 2025

Evaluation & Selection Criteria

Originality and Style
Submissions will be assessed based on the originality and uniqueness of the artist’s style.

Clarity of Booth Vision
Your vision for the exhibition space must be clearly presented in the submitted presentation deck (Google Deck / PDF). This must include picture references, sketches, or mockups for the judges.

New Work Commitment
To ensure a fresh experience for visitors each year, we strongly encourage artists, particularly those who have participated in previous years, to debut a new line of work. We aim for more than 50% of the exhibited works to be new. The concept for this new series can be detailed in your deck (sketches or references are acceptable).

Never Been Seen
KLIF places a strong emphasis on curating a diverse roster, actively seeking submissions from new talent or established artists who have not previously exhibited at the fair with a distinctly fresh style.

Proposed Activities
While not mandatory, proposals for engaging activities such as live paintings, book launches, or workshops are highly encouraged to enhance the visitor experience.

Theme Similarity
For artists presenting similar thematic content, selection will prioritize the distinctiveness and originality of the stylistic approach. We may dedicate specific sections of the fair to artists sharing a strong theme.

Information for International Artists

To streamline the participation process and ensure compliance with local regulations, KLIF offers dedicated support services for our foreign exhibitors. This service is included in an additional MYR 400 support fee:

Included Services:
Covers essential on-site assistance, including dedicated volunteer support and the use of a POS system for seamless transaction tracking.

Payment Processing:
KLIF will facilitate payment processing and collection for all sales made by international artists during the event. These funds will be collected by KLIF and returned to the artists after the fair concludes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it mandatory to be available for the entire event duration?
Yes, you must be available from the 1st to the 3rd for setup, the event itself, and breakdown.

What conditions must be met for the security deposit to be refunded?
The security deposit is refundable if there’s no damage to the booth or equipment, and all event rules are followed. The deposit is returned post-event after inspection.

Do foreign artists need to have KLIF manage their sales even if they have local payment methods?
Yes, due to visa regulations, KLIF must handle sales for foreign artists. Even with local payment methods like Maybank or Touch n Go, we’ll collect payments during the event and return the funds to you afterward.

Will travel expenses be covered for selected participants?
No, participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. KLIF does not provide financial support for these costs.

Can artists submit both individual and team applications?
Please submit either an individual or a collective application, not both. KLIF team will reach out to propose your application to be move from room to booth or vice versa.

For collectives, if one person is shortlisted and another is not, how is the submission considered?
The submission is evaluated as a whole; all members should ensure their collective submission meets the selection criteria.

Is it that possible share a booth with my friend?
While sharing is possible, our standard booths are relatively small, which can make sharing challenging. We generally discourage sharing due to space constraints and potential display limitations.

I have an IP brand collaborating with different artists, should I apply as individual or collective?
Apply as individual if your Intellectual Property (IP) / Agency is the central identity and attraction of the booth; Apply as Collective only if you are showcasing four individual artists’ work equally.