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Beth Suzanna named Hay Festival Illustrator in Residence
Freelance illustrator Beth Suzanna has been named this year’s Hay Festival Illustrator in Residence, after a public submissions process which attracted more than 60 applicants from across the UK.
Offering an emerging artist the opportunity to take part in Hay Festival 2023, which will take place between 25th May to 4th June, the residency aims to “facilitate and inspire visual storytelling, support artists in reaching a larger audience while emphasising the important role artists play in bringing words to life".
Suzanna’s illustrations will be showcased on the Hay Festival programme cover (pictured below)as well as via the festival’s digital platforms throughout the live event.
Based in Bristol, her work seeks to capture the vibrancy of the everyday through a playful combination of bold paper cut shapes and expressive pastel line work. She collaborated with hip hop star, actor and writer Jordan Stephens on the children’s book The Missing Piece (Bloomsbury Children’s Books), released last year.
Hay Festival c.e.o. Julie Finch said: “One hundred days to Hay Festival 2023, we are delighted to announce this year’s Illustrator in Residence and share our programme cover. Beth Suzanna is a rising star of illustration, celebrating inclusion and representation through her impactful creations. We are honoured to showcase her work on this year’s programme cover and look forward to working with her on making sure our late spring event reaches further than ever online.”
Suzanna commented: “I am thrilled to join the Hay Festival family as this year’s Illustrator in Residence to help capture the warmth and energy by celebrating community, connection and creativity. With my programme cover design, I wanted to emphasise that the festival is a space of discovery for everyone.”
